SAINTS will see if James Roby pulls through the next two training sessions before making a call for Friday's derby clash with Wigan.

They have been without their skipper for the past four matches after he underwent surgery on a groin injury, but will run the rule over him and make a call on Thursday.

Saints will still be without Zeb Taia and will also be missing Joseph Paulo for the home clash against their old foe, after he picked up a calf injury at Hull.

Coach Justin Holbrook said: "It is a bit early to tell yet whether James Roby will be back. We are hoping he will play and would like our captain back for Friday.

"We have done a really good job without him. We have a couple more training sessions to do and if he pulls up sore then we won't play him.

"We have gone four games without him and won them - as well as the ones earlier in the year. We will wait until he is right - and if he pulls up a bit sore we can wait a week or two."

A big crowd is anticipated - especially given the game has not been selected for television.

That decision was greeted with a degree of puzzlement from the Saints boss.

Although he said there will be some positives in swelling the gate.

"It is great to go back to old days to come to the stadium to watch the game," he said.

"It is disappointing for our game but it gives you more reason to come - and that is what we focus on.

"But I can't imagine football not showing Burnley v Cardiff instead of Man City v United with eight rounds to go.

"For the players the atmosphere will be great and and it should be a sell-out."

Saints take on a Wigan side that have won their past five games - and they will be looking to stop a three-match whitewashing.

Holbrook said: "We have beaten them twice but it is always our toughest game of the year against Wigan.

"They are coming good and we all know that - they have won five games in a row.

"They are a club that is always there or thereabouts and won the comp last year.

"They are playing well at the minute and are dangerous all over the park and have been showing that in recent weeks, we know we are in for a tough night."