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Rugby League

Long geared for derby comeback

17/07/2007

St Helens scrum-half Sean Long is set to return to the starting line-up for this Friday's Super League derby match with Wigan Warriors.

Long injured his calf during Saints' 34-18 victory against their bitter rivals over the Millennium Magic weekend in May and has played only one match since then – a Challenge Cup tie against Warrington Wolves.

And coach Daniel Anderson said he is hopeful that his star half-back will take the field again in a matter of days.

"I'm pushing for Longy to play this week," said Anderson.

"He's played only one in ten matches so it's about him getting a bit of a feel.

"It's been extremely frustrating for myself and our physio and for Sean over the length of time he's been out. It is improving but it's improving so slowly."

Long's return could not have come at a better time for the Super League leaders.

St Helens have lost their last two matches – a 10-4 defeat at Bradford Bulls last Friday and a 22-10 home defeat to Leeds Rhinos a week earlier – and are seeking to avoid a first hat-trick of Super League defeats.

The last time the reigning champions were on the wrong end of such a run was in 2004.

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