SAINTS skipper Chris Joynt is battling to make a sooner-than-expected return against London Broncos tonight, Friday.

The tough tackling second rower has been sorely missed while sidelined for three weeks after an hernia operation and is now working hard in training to get himself back up to full fitness.

Coach Shaun McRae knows visiting the Stoop, kick-off 7.30pm, will be a very differently story to the 58-6 walkover his side enjoyed against London at Knowsley Road last month.

And he is keen to have Joynt back in place to guide his team through the challenge.

McRae said: "Chris has a tremendous workrate that other players can not always emulate over the 80 minutes. He needs match practice going into the play-offs and he's an important influence so I'd like to have him back.

"What has worried me about the last two games is whether we have peaked too early for the play-offs. We need to get back into a winning frame of mind and I'm confident Chris can help us do that.

"He's put in some hard work in training this week so it's looking good but I won't make a definite decision until the last minute."

London's chances of stealing the fifth play-off place are realistically minimal due to Bradford having won an extra game and enjoying the benefit of a vastly superior points difference.

But the Broncos are on a roll after beating Bradford and Sheffield in the last two weeks and will be looking to take their challenge to the wire.

McRae said: "It's not looking good for London in terms of the play-offs but while the chance is still there then they will chase it all the way so this is a tough game for us.

"They've also got the additional incentive of wanting to put the record straight on the 58-6 and, of course, they've never beaten us in all the league meetings between the clubs.

"We got them on a bad day last time but Tony Currie will be throwing everything into it this time and having Shaun Edwards back certainly won't hurt them."

The veteran scrum half started on the bench against Sheffield but could be ready for a full game this time.

McRae said: "Shaun Edwards is a master at controlling the game and Peter Gill has the same sort of talents and experience as well. Glen Air has been playing well in Shaun's place so that leaves the coach with a nice dilemma to work out.

"Whatever he decides on, I'm sure London will be there to give us a game."

Sean Long has shaken off an ankle injury and is expected to play while Tommy Martyn has not suffered any problems after making his return against Castleford.

McRae said: "Having Tommy back just before the play-offs is a big plus for us and a couple more games should get him back to match fitness.

"It's vital that we start to concentrate our energies now in preparation for the play-offs and make sure we put the setbacks of the last two weeks behind us. It's got to be a winning mentality from now on."

Football operations manager Eric Hughes admits the club is interested in Wigan's 20-year-old stand off Daryl Cardiss, but denies any attempt has been made to sign him.

Hughes said: "He's a good youngster with lots of talent but there's been no no official moves made."

Tonight's game is to be shown live on Sky television.

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