Thompson may return for Saints

England hooker Steve Thompson could make his comeback from injury in Northampton’s Heineken Cup clash against Llanelli Scarlets this weekend.

Thompson, a member of England’s World Cup-winning team, suffered a rib injury when Saints were beaten by Zurich Premiership rivals Sale Sharks 11 days ago.

He missed the opening Heineken Cup appointment with Glasgow as a result but has now been selected to face Llanelli at Franklin’s Gardens on Saturday. His return, though, depends on him passing a fitness test later this week.

With England’s opening autumn Test against Canada barely a fortnight away, England coach Andy Robinson will monitor events with interest.

Northampton boss Alan Solomons has also picked fly-half Paul Grayson and prop Tom Smith, subject to fitness checks – with Grayson set for a first start since breaking his hand last month.

Saints ended a run of five successive defeats when they beat Glasgow 13-9 last Sunday, while Llanelli will arrive in the east midlands knowing victory is essential after they lost to Toulouse last time out.