Sculthorpe missed the first Test because of injury

St Helens star Paul Sculthorpe insists he will be fit to play in next month's high-profile contests against Union Treiziste Catalane and Sydney Roosters.

The Great Britain stand-off missed Tuesday's cross-code clash with Sale because of a thigh problem, the same injury that forced him to miss the first Test against New Zealand.

But he says the decision to sit out the surprise 41-39 defeat at Knowsley Road was only a precautionary move.

"I feel fine. The coach, Ian Millward, just wanted to give me a rest so I was 100% right for the two big games coming up," Sculthorpe told BBC Sport Online.

"It is the same problem I had at the end of last season but it is only a niggle. It is certainly nothing major.

"Ian just didn't want to risk me with the Challenge Cup and World Club Challenge just around the corner."

Sculthorpe admits the Challenge Cup fourth-round tie with French side UTC will be a mystery tour for most of the Saints team.

"I don't know much about them at all," said the reigning Man of Steel.

"But I am sure they will be fired up and I am expecting a tough game."