Downey was able to celebrate a win over one of his former teams

Northampton centre James Downey has insisted there was no hint of divided loyalties as Saints beat Munster 31-27 in the Heineken Cup on Saturday.

The 28-year-old Dubliner numbers Munster among his former clubs, but was delighted by Northampton's thrilling victory at Franklin's Gardens.

"It was a bit strange because I've played with a few of their lads," he told BBC Radio Northampton.

"But Northampton is my home and I've been here a while now."

Downey added: "Everyone plays for everyone else here and I think we're building a culture like Munster's - a good community with everybody together.

I was watching from the sidelines for the last 15 minutes or so and I reckon I picked up a few grey hairs James Downey

"This win is another step on the ladder for us. We're heading in the right direction.

"But now we face another big test, taking on a French side away from home. We're good at the Gardens but we need to build our away form too."

Saints head to Perpignan on Friday evening having withstood a characteristic late fightback from Munster, who rallied from 28-14 down to make it a nerve-wracking finish.

"I was watching from the sidelines for the last 15 minutes or so and I reckon I picked up a few grey hairs," admitted Downey.

"But we backed ourselves and our line held firm. Our defence is one of our strengths and I think we deserved it, to be honest."

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