King admits Saints face selection dilemma ahead of Wasps showdown

PLENTY TO PONDER - the Saints management team of Jim Mallinder (right) and Dorian West (Picture: Kirsty Edmonds)

King was impressed with the performance of his side’s younger players in last weekend’s 17-8 defeat at Leicester Tigers.

A number of youngsters stepped up in the heat of the Welford Road battle, staking their claim for another start in the final LV= Cup pool match at home to Wasps on Saturday.

But with a semi-final place up for grabs and men such as Samu Manoa, Kahn Fotuali’i and the Pisi brothers now refreshed, there are some tough calls to be made.

“There’s quite a few factors in terms of selection,” said King.

“You never know who’s going to be released by England and how much game time people have had.

“The (Premiership) game against London Irish the week after will also be a factor and we’ve got some big decisions to make this week.

“We need to make we pick the best team for the game against Wasps, but also for the club going forward.

“If we can beat Wasps at home and get a semi-final at home it would be fantastic reward for the four games we’ll have played in the LV= Cup.”