The Blues clash was Powell's sixth consecutive start for Saints

Scrum-half Ryan Powell is hoping he has done enough to retain his place in the Northampton Saints side.

The 30-year-old knows his starting berth is under threat now Lee Dickson has recovered from a leg fracture.

"It's unfortunate for Lee he got injured but it's my opportunity," Powell told BBC Radio Northampton.

"I'm pretty happy with my performances, we're both fit now so hopefully I'll give the coach a selection headache in the coming weeks."

Dickson had started nine games this season before being ruled out in November.

But the 25-year-old England Saxons player featured as a substitute in Sunday's Heineken Cup win at Blues, replacing Welshman Powell who had become first choice scrum-half in Saints' last six matches.

Jim Mallinder's side now top Pool One after their second win against the Blues in eight days.

And after back-to-back victories against his former club, Powell is now eyeing a 100% record in the group stage.

"We're four from four and we're back in the Premiership now, so we'll turn our attention to that," he said.

"But we go back into Europe in January, Edinburgh at home, if we can make it five from five we go into Castres with a lot of confidence.

"Hopefully we can finish the pool on top with no losses."

Northampton are next in action on Sunday when they travel to Gloucester in Premiership.

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