INSPIRATIONAL half-back Tommy Martyn is set to return for the Saints' Friday night's home clash against the Leeds Rhinos.

Coach Ian Millward says Martyn has a "very good chance" of recovering from the hip injury that forced him out of last week's match against Castleford.

But with the play-offs fast approaching the Saints coach is reluctant to risk any players with injury doubts hanging over them. John Stankevitch is absent with a leg injury and although Peter Shiels' fitness is improving he remains doubtful.

Millward insists that he will field his strongest 17 available for a match he sees as an opportunity to gain a crucial psychological advantage ahead of the likely elimination play off in a fortnight.

He said: "It's a great psychological game. We've got to stamp our authority on our home ground and make it very intimidating, so that their players become hesitant and a little apprehensive at the fact they've played here twice and recorded two losses."

Hooker Mick Higham is on the comeback trail and was set to figure in the Alliance team's elimination play off against Halifax on Wednesday night. His availability has left the Saints coach purring over the hooking talent at his disposal.

Millward said: "Dave McConnell has had two outstanding games at first grade. When they pick the U21 squad to travel to South Africa I expect Higham to be first choice hooker and Dave McConnell to be very close to that squad. It's a great feat for one club to having the world's best hooker and two of the best young English players."

Recently departed winger Anthony Sullivan is to make an emotional farewell at Knowsley Road on Friday night. The 32-year-old will make a thank you announcement prior to the kick-off.

Millward admitted that with the business end of the season approaching it had been a tough call to let Sullivan leave and he paid tribute to the winger.

"Sullivan has been outstanding for the club for the past ten years on and off the field. I'd like to see the fans come and give him a warm send off from the club and I think it's a great opportunity for them to thank him."

Canterbury Bulldogs' reserve grade three-quarter Leon Felton has jetted in to join Saints on trial until the end of the season. Felton, 21, was born in Zimbabwe but holds a UK passport because his grandfather is Irish.

He arrives at Saints even though Ian Millward has never seen him play.

"He was recommended to us by Darren Britt and Ricky Stuart, who is on the coaching staff there. We were looking for a young outside back - he will be given his opportunity in the next few weeks to win a contract for next year," said Millward.

Felton has previously been on the books of Perth Reds and Melbourne Storm.

Millward, meanwhile, confirmed that Saints have made a 'tentative' approach to Barrow for their highly rated Great Britain Academy winger Ade Gardner.