SECOND-placed Saints' chances in Friday's terrace packer against Wigan at Knowsley Road (8pm) have been given a boost with the news that Tommy Martyn may return. Talented stand-off Tommy last played against Bradford Bulls in the Challenge Cup Final at Twickenham on April 28, and has since undergone surgery for a hernia problem.

Martyn trained well this week, and to quote coach Ian Millward, was 'jumping out of his skin to play'. Tommy could take the scrum-half role with Paul Sculthorpe staying at stand-off and Paul Wellens reverting to full-back.

Millward has added John Stankevitch to his selection options, and there is also a possibility that forward Vila Matautia may be back after a leg operation, while hooker Mick Higham is retained in the 18-man squad.

Saints will be bidding for a seventh successive victory as they tackle a Wigan side currently third in the league.

The Warriors will lack Gary Connolly (shoulder operation) and Brett Dallas (thumb injury).

Wigan's probable line-up is: Radlinski: Carney, Johnson, Renouf, Hodgson; Johns, Lam; O'Connor, Newton, Cowie, Cassidy, Furner, Farrell. Substitutes Betts, Smith, Jones, Howard.

Paul Sculthorpe has been chosen as Tetley Bitter player-of-the-month for May. He is also Saints' leading try scorer with 13.

Sean Long is progressing well following a knee reconstruction and is due to start a rehabilitation programme. He is expected to be out of action until season 2002, but Ian Millward feels the enforced rest will do Long good after a hectic time over the past three seasons.

A golf day in aid of Anthony Sullivan's testimonial fund will be held at the Grange Park club on Thursday, July 5. Details from Tom Carroll on 734555.

A touchline conversion of a last-minute try by Wakefield Wildcats spelled a 36-34 defeat for Saints' Alliance team at Moss Lane last Wednesday. The home points came from tries by Mark Bennett (2), Dave McConnell, Radney Bowker, Gareth Price and John Braddish, who also kicked four goals and Iain Marsh landed one. Braddish has now kicked 41 goals and scored seven tries for a total of 110 points.

Saints' home game against Warrington Wolves, which was originally due to be played on Friday, July 6, has been re-arranged for Saturday, July 7, kick-off 6.05pm

The Academy side won 34-10 at Wakefield on Sunday. They entertain Wigan tomorrow (Friday) kic k-off 5.45pm.

Saints have signed locally-born utility back Iain Marsh on a month's trial from Salford.

Age Concern (St. Helens) has been selected as Saints' official charity. Age Concern's premises in Claughton Street will now be an outlet for Saints' merchandise, as will Brian's Store, Clock Face Road, and Preston's Health Club, Dalehead Place, Moss Bank.

Saints' stadium manager Bill Holden is recovering in Whiston hospital after suffering burns in an accident at his home.