Few weaknesses in Northampton squad - Bob Casey

Casey relinquished the Exiles captaincy at the start of the season

London Irish lock Bob Casey expects their Premiership match against Northampton to be a big test, despite missing players on international duty.

Both teams have absentees for the top-of-the-table clash.

"They've a much bigger squad than us and it's a good quality squad - there won't be many weaknesses," Casey told BBC Berkshire.

"The league certainly isn't going to be decided on Friday, but it's a very important fixture for us."

Irish slipped off the top of the Premiership last weekend, having lost 33-25 to Wasps, with Northampton replacing them at the top having beaten Sale 19-10.

"We were very disappointed but they've been really professional in our recovery, training and analysis and I know we'll be ready come Friday night," Casey said.

And the Irishman knows fellow countryman James Downey will be one of Northampton's players targeted by his team-mates.

"What he does he does very well - he runs very hard lines and he's been a consistent performer for them since he joined.

"He'll be a threat as will their pack. Tonga'Uhia is an outstanding loose-head; Phil Dowson is a consistent performer."

Irish may face former fly-half Shane Geraghty, who left the Exiles in 2009, but Casey said there is no lingering ill-feeling towards their former team-mate.

"That's what happens in sport - players move on. We just focus on what we're doing at London Irish and how we're going to beat Northampton.

"He probably won't start for them - Myler seems to be ahead of him. We had a great time when he was here. Shane played some great games for us."

Northampton versus London Irish kicks off at 1945 GMT on Friday 24 November and is live on BBC Radio Berkshire.