Playing at fly-half adds another string to Furbank's bow at Saints

Furbank started at 10 against Leinster in last month's Champions Cup clash, standing in for injured duo Dan Biggar and James Grayson.

And for many Saints fans, he was one of the men of the match in Dublin, and when he reverted back to full-back for the bonus-point win against Worcester Warriors at Franklin's Gardens.

"I really enjoyed playing fly-half," said the England international.

"It's a little bit different to 15, calling the shots a bit more and doing a bit more organisation but I feel comfortable stepping into that role if Biggs and Grays aren't there.

"It is something I want to develop and something that will help my game regardless of whether I play at 10 or 15.

"Being able to play both positions, you have different skills and different mentalities going into it and it can only develop you as a player."

Furbank's form was hit by a run of tough results last year.

But it appears the belief is now back for the 24-year-old, who clearly enjoyed the win against Worcester.

"I hope we put some smiles on the faces of Saints fans during a tough Christmas," he said.

"The boys were buzzing in the dressing room after the game and it's nice to get back on the winning horse again.

"I thought we played really well during the first half and probably deserved to be further ahead.

"In the second half we came out and looked like a team that hadn't won in however many games but you probably need that little bit of luck and we rode a wave for a little bit.

"We moved onto the next jobs better than we have done and it helped us get over the line."

When asked whether a lack of confidence has been blighting Saints, Furbank said: "I don't think first halves or the start of second halves are really an issue - we look ourselves for the majority of that - it's just when it gets tight towards the end and when you haven't won in a while, it becomes a lot more difficult to win than it should.

"It's just a mental battle.

"Fingers crossed we don't have many more tight games but when we do, hopefully we can get over the line."

Saints are now getting set for a big derby-day battle against Leicester Tigers at the Gardens on Saturday.

And Furbank said: "It's a massive game for us - one we need a win from.

"We can't rest on our laurels.

"We've been working hard to get more wins."