Dowson welcomes Saints' selection options

Towards the end of last season, the black, green and gold were down to the bare bones, particularly up front where they were forced to throw Academy youngster Manny Iyogun in.

But the likes of Alex Waller and Nick Auterac are back at loosehead, while other areas of the side also look much healthier than before.

And Saints were boosted further this week as England released David Ribbans, Lewis Ludlam and Alex Mitchell, who are all available to face Harlequins at Franklin's Gardens on Saturday.

"You need to drive competition within the squad, you need to have guys really working hard for selection and that's how performances improve from an individual basis," Dowson said.

"They know that if they don't perform, someone else will take the shirt.

"It's brilliant to have guys the England guys back this week and we've got quality dilemmas and it gives us plenty of discussion about what's the best way to win games."

The likes of Shaun Adendorff and Taqele Naiyaravoro didn't even make the matchday 23 at Sale last Friday, despite being fit for action.

And forwards coach Dowson said: "They'll both be looking to try to get selected.

"Those selection options drive competition and help us get the most from everyone."

George Furbank may not be able to play against Quins though, with the full-back having come off after just seven minutes last Friday due to concussion.

"He's good, he's fine from what I gather," Dowson said.

"I've not seen too much of him and he's going through the HIA protocols so he doesn't seem too bad and he seems keen to come back in and play again as soon as possible."

Teimana Harrison, who had been battling a calf injury last week, had to come off at half-time at the AJ Bell Stadium.

And Dowson said: "He's getting treatment and improving all the time.

"It's about how quickly we can get him back in the mixer because he's such a powerful player for us.

"It's risk-reward with Tei and we want him to play but at the same time, we don't want him to make that injury any worse."

Tom Wood and Alex Waller both made their competitive returns last weekend following lengthy lay-offs.

"It's brilliant," Dowson said.

"Those lads have played hundreds of games, they lead, they're desperate to win and they've been there before in tough situations before.

"The younger lads can take heart from them and get experience from those guys in terms of how they are when things are going well and how they are when things aren't.

"It's really good to have them back and we're really pleased."

Harry Mallinder came on for Furbank and was able to complete the game, showing some of his trademark skills against Sale.

"He's not played for a long time so he'll admit himself he was maybe a little rusty in some of the things he did, but he'll get better the more he plays," Dowson said.

"He's a class act, he's got such a rounded and unbelievable skill-set that he can change games and bring others in around him.

"He speaks well and he has a big influence on the backline.

"I'm delighted to have him back, he's a top man and he's a really good guy.

"It's great to have him back in the mixer."