Spencer doubtful for Saints
Northampton fly-half a concern for Challenge Cup quarter-final
Northampton Saints fly-half Carlos Spencer may miss Saturday’s European Challenge Cup game against Worcester Warriors as a result of a knock to his leg against Newcastle Falcons in the Premiership last Sunday.
Coach Paul Grayson was not optimistic of Spencer's chances, and if the former All Black fly-half can't make the game it will be a serious blow.
Spencer was instrumental in Northampton's splendid 32-13 win at Newcastle last Sunday.
“We are still hoping Carlos will come through but at the moment it does look doubtful," said Grayson.
"If he does not make it for this game then the medical staff are certain he will be fit for the Bath game the following week.”
Grayson goes into the all-England European Challenge Cup quarter-final against Worcester Warriors at Franklin’s Gardens on Saturday with 13,500 reasons to see the Saints go marching on into the last four.
The Saints, Heineken Cup winners in 2000, have seen off Italian, French and English opposition on the way to the quarter-finals and Grayson now wants to reward the club’s loyal fans with some silverware, although winning the competition does not guarantee qualification for next year's Heineken Cup.
“The fact that we are playing another English club is not important – it doesn’t come into the equation,” said the former England fly half.
“The big and important things are that we are at home and we are in the quarter-finals. Those are the things that really matter.
“This will be the fourth time we have met Worcester this season as we have already played them twice in the Premiership and once in the Powergen Cup.
“And, strange as it might seem, results have gone with the away team. We have twice beaten them away but lost at home to them so we currently stand 2-1 up.
“As to how important a win on Saturday is, we have got 13,500 reasons every time we play at home to deliver something tangible to those fans – we owe it to them to give it our all and deliver something tangible from the season.
“If we can win the European Challenge Cup that would be fantastic – and qualifying for next season’s Heineken Cup as a result would be the cherry on top of the cake.
“We have had a massive injury list this season but, if we ignore those who are out for the rest of the season, then we are not doing too badly right now."
The Saints have excelled in the tournament, their only loss being a 36-28 defeat to Bristol. Particularly impressive was the 22-7 victory away at Narbonne, who are a tough side to beat at home, as Top 14 giants Clermont and Stade Français have found to their cost this season.
“The tournament has been a great change from the league and the back-to-back matches against Narbonne provided a good learning curve for the side," beamed Grayson.
"We gained confidence from those matches and the European Challenge Cup has been a very positive experience.”
