St Helens forward James Graham praises youth players

Graham returns to the Saints squad after international duty with England

St Helens forward James Graham says the club's young players deserve credit for their performances as Saints prepare to face local rivals Wigan on Sunday.

Saints are third in Super League despite injuries to key players.

Graham told BBC Radio Merseyside: "It's going to be a tough decision for Mick when he gets all of his troops back.

"Some of them are not just filling in and doing jobs, they're playing really well. There are that many and you forget to mention them all."

He added: "Gary Wheeler had a great game at the weekend and Andrew Dickson is starting to show what he's all about and I think he's played the majority of games this year."

On Sunday Saints face the daunting trip to the DW Stadium to face the Super League leaders and Graham says whoever plays, they will be up for the fight.

"No matter what 17 go out we're going to apply ourselves," said the England international. "I'm sure it's going to be a tough game but whoever pulls on the shirt this week will be fired up for a big game.

"I think Wigan will be at full strength and they're going to be strong."

St Helens were beaten 18-10 by Wigan at Knowsley Road in April.

But it was the 14-10 win over the Warriors in last season's Super League semi-finals which Graham remembers and he says after that match he is not surprised the Warriors sit top of table this year.

"Last year they were close to beating us in the semi-final to get to Old Trafford," Graham continued. "If they had beaten us there they could have gone on and won it.

"They weren't too far off the mark last year, so I'm not surprised. They brought a new coach in and everyone raises their game a little bit.

"Wigan is historically a great team and there is no surprise for me they're top of the league."