'Serious contenders' Saints get set for 'massive' Tigers match

But the talented young centre knows his side must 'keep the cogs turning' when they travel to local rivals Leicester Tigers on Saturday.

Saints temporarily moved into the play-off places in the Gallagher Premiership on Friday night, beating London Irish 44-26 at Franklin's Gardens.

But they are now back down to fifth, with Sale Sharks and Harlequins both winning this weekend.

Saints are four points off fourth as they prepare to square up to their local rivals on Saturday afternoon.

And Dingwall said: "It's massive!

"We were disappointed to get knocked out of Europe but it's a massive run of games and we are serious contenders for that top four.

"We've got to keep the cogs turning and grind out some results."

Dingwall scored against London Irish last Friday, celebrating his 50th Saints appearance in style.

And he said: "It was a good all round night.

"It wasn't the best dive for the try, but I'll take it.

"It was great to reach 50 appearances and nice to do it with Furbs (George Furbank, who also hit his 50th against London Irish).

"I'm really thrilled.

"I've massively enjoyed it and it's gone even quicker because of what's happened over the past year - it's flown by.

"I've racked up 50 appearances pretty quickly and hopefully I can get some more."

On the overall performance against Irish, Dingwall added: "It was a good game between two teams who want to move the ball, so probably very good for the neutral.

"We'll be frustrated with some soft tries we gave away but we're really pleased with how clinical we were at times and how we put our game on them.

"There was a lot of transition play and that's where we come alive, but it worked both ways as they were keen to get their hands on the ball when we lost it.

"We managed them well at times but also averagely at other times so we need to correct those wrongdoings in defence.

"But in attack, we were pretty happy.

"We'd previously had a run of games where we've got into a good position at half-time and then it's slipped away a little bit.

"As much as you don't want to think about it, it does play on your mind.

"We did concede that first try in the second half but we managed to kick on and get our processes right.

"We put our game on them and when we get our attack shape going and are comfortable in defence, we can look after it against any team."