SUSPENDED scrum half Sean Long is back in training - and coach Ian Millward believes he has already had a positive impact on his team-mates.

Although the inspirational number seven cannot play until September 19, the last day of the regular league programme, Millward believes Long's presence can lift the camp after some pretty shaky results in recent weeks.

Millward is particularly keen to see the Great Britain scrum half have a positive impact on 18-year-old James Roby, who has performed creditably since stepping up to the first team.

Millward said: "I asked Sean back in for the Wednesday and Thursday sessions and he's added life to the camp.

"He also made a good point when he said 'the faces are the same it is just the attitude that is different.' That hit the nail on the head, we are still a quality team."

As for Martin Gleeson, the other half of the suspended duo, Millward still finds it hard to accept that he has lost his star centre to Warrington.

After Friday's game Millward said: "I had no say in Gleeson leaving. I cannot reiterate that enough. I was told late that he was going - I know there have been comments in the press and from within the club that 'Gleeson would not be going if Ian did not want him to'.

"Gleeson was extremely upset and nobody was as upset as me. At no time was I consulted - I was told he was going.

"I would like to set the record straight because there seems to be this idea that he was going for 'disciplinary reasons' or a belief that I could get a better centre.

Centre

"Well neither of those arguments are true. If you ask if there is as good a centre in this country, well the answer is no!

"I did not want Martin to go, but I can't bring him back. I need to get a replacement and make sure the team keeps playing well."

On Sunday Saints take on a Salford Reds side fighting for their Super League survival, after wins for London and Castleford at the weekend.

Millward's men appeared to have come through last Friday's clash with Huddersfield unscathed, although the players are only due back from their five day break today (Thursday), so no update is available.

Veteran pack man Chris Joynt is expected to be back for Sunday's visit to the Willows after recovering from a trapped nerve in his shoulder.

Long term casualty Mick Higham continued his recuperation by being water carrier on Friday night, and could be back within the next fortnight.

Skipper Paul Sculthorpe, who has missed the last two games with a leg injury picked up at Hull, is not expected to feature over the next three weeks.

Millward explained: "The original call was six weeks, and we don't want it to become 10 or 12 weeks. I think it was longer last year, so I have to be really patient with Paul."

h 0Saints have announced a special ticket promotion for their next home Super League match against London Broncos on Friday 13 August, 8pm.

Fans buying an adult ticket in advance of the match day save £1 on walk up prices, and also get an equivalent junior ticket for free.

This offer, which applies to ground tickets and family stand tickets, is available until Thursday, 12 August. Tickets can be bought from Saints Ticket Office, online @ www.saintssuperstore.com or call 0870 120 1118.