Mallinder: We can cope without Ashton
SAINTS boss Jim Mallinder is confident he has the quality in his squad to cope without his top try-scorer Chris Ashton for this Sunday's LV= Cup final.
While it is great news for Ashton, Mallinder's plans for the clash against Gloucester at Sixways were thrown into disarray by the 22-year-old's call-up to the England side to take on France tomorrow.
But Mallinder has juggled his resources and believes there is enough try-scoring threat in his side to beat one of the Premiership's form sides and win the domestic cup for the first time in Saints' history.
Mallinder said: "I suppose us losing Ashton is not ideal, though Gloucester have also lost Mike Tindal to England as well.
"Ashton has been one of our best players this year, but the LV= Cup has always been about the international teams picking their best players first and us picking from the rest. The same still applies for the final.
"We are really pleased Chris has got this call-up, it is deserved and timely, but we are confident that we have got players who will deliver, as we have been throughout the season.
"It is never perfect, but that is life. Whether it is international call-ups or injuries you have got to be prepared for that. You have got to be training for that and have players who are flexible enough to fit in and do a job."
Saints have never won in four previous visits to the domestic cup final, but are favourites to end that losing streak on Sunday at 4/11 with most bookies.
Victory will also give Saints fans revenge for defeat in their last cup final against Gloucester in 2003.
But Saints will have to do it without two of their first choice back three as Ben Foden starts at full-back in Paris for England.
Mallinder revealed that Ashton, Foden and club captain Dylan Hartley will race back from France to be at Sunday's final in Worcester.
"It is a bit of a shame that they miss the final," said Mallinder. "It was really pleasing to see them here at the semi-final supporting the lads and I know they are talking about getting straight back from Paris, getting in a car and coming straight up to Worcester to support the lads. It is good to know we are all together for it."
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Friday 10 February 2012
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