ST HELENS coach Ian Millward is planning to keep faith with the same 17 that were humiliated 70-0 by Leeds Rhinos for tomorrow's Super League clash against the Giants at Knowsley Road (8.00).
But the Australian has also hinted that due to injuries and suspensions, he has been left with very little choice!
And all the signs suggest hooker Keiron Cunningham may be forced to play on, despite suffering a leg injury.
Millward needs the Welsh star to lead the side in the absence of Paul Sculthorpe (hamstring), Sean Long (suspension) and Chris Joynt (shoulder), who have all captained Saints this season.
The fact Cunningham will have to play is a sign of the problems being faced by Millward and his under-strength squad, which is also lacking suspended centre Martin Gleeson, who last week signed for Warrington.
But the Knowsley Road chief is anxious to carry on as if it's business as usual.
This week the St Helens club went ahead with a pre-arranged golf day just four days after their humiliation by Leeds, with Millward quick to allay fears that the decision would send the wrong message to fans.
"I'm not one of those coaches who drags players in the day after a game to punish them," he said.
"We need to give them feedback and to come up with solutions.
"It's a day with sponsors and it won't hurt the players. It might even be good for them.
"There has got to be some enjoyment, it's a very long season."
But Millward admits a lack of quality personnel is a worry and has pledged to plug the gap created by the enforced sale of Great Britain centre Gleeson.
The Challenge Cup holders are thought to be under pressure from the bank manager to reduce their debt and were forced to accept a £200,000 offer from the Wolves for the 24-year-old.
However, chairman Eamonn McManus has insisted that no other Saints players are for sale and that Millward will be able to bring in a centre replacement for Gleeson.
"I was disappointed by the sale but I understand the reasons for it and life has to go on," said Millward.
"The chairman addressed the players and he assured them that there will no other sale. He's given his word. The sale of Martin Gleeson was a one-off.
"He has assured me I can bring in a centre but the hardest thing will be to find someone of the right quality. I will be bringing in a centre but who it is I don't know."
Millward has been chasing up player agents but has ruled out a move for Bradford's former Junior Kiwi centre Shontayne Hape, who is out of contract at the end of the season and thought to have been lined up to join Hull.
