KEIRON Cunningham has assured fans that the “number one priority” at the club is improving the defence.
After the bitter disappointment of the Cup loss to Hull FC, Saints face Salford Red Devils in a vital fixture at Langtree Park.
And KC says he’s pleased the game comes so quickly after Sunday’s performance.
“It was a really bitter pill to swallow but in reality unless someone can invent a time machine so we could have another crack and do the job we should have done then we can’t do anything,” he said. “The cup dream is over and I am devastated about it. I am disappointed for the chairman, club and the fans.
“We served up our worst defensive display for one of the biggest games of the season.
“The players don’t purposely go out to lose and are devastated too. I have been amongst games that turn out like that and you don’t purposely go out to play that badly. They are stinging as we had high hopes for the competition.
“Now we have 10 games left before we have any ambition of doing anything. We need to build into performances and we have to get better defensively.
I can assure everyone involved at the club and the fans, that this is priority number one. We will be working very hard on that department.
“We have the luxury of a short turnaround so we can get out there again but we haven’t got the luxury of training together for an extended spell. Realistically, we have one session on the field and then we roll into a good Salford side.
“I am happy with that, happy we can get out there and happy we will have a tough clash against Salford at Langtree.”
He continued: “Adam Swift has a good chance this week – we will see how he comes through on Thursday. Jordan Turner and Travis Burns are fit and available – as are a multitude of younger players – but it is a case of getting the balance of the team right.
“We will shoot with whichever is our best defensive team and try and get some form.
Salford are a good side and much improved – they will want to right some wrongs too from their cup exit.”
Tickets for Friday’s game remain on sale from the Ticket Office at Langtree Park, by calling 01744 455 052 or via www.saintssuperstore.com
