Northampton Saints director Jim Mallinder says the squad share the fans' anger at recent results.

Saints, who currently sit sixth in the Premiership table, have lost their last six league matches.

"We got into a habit of winning and now it's a bit of a shock, fans don't like to lose," Mallinder told BBC Look East.

"I can tell them they're no more disappointed than we are as players and coaches. We'll do everything we possibly can to get this team winning."

He continued: "We're confident with the group of players that we've got.

What we can't do is get too many internationals - we need players who are going to be available for us Saints director Jim Mallinder

"We're really working hard and one good win and we'll be out of this slump in form."

Shane Geraghty impressed as a replacement during the 30-9 defeat by Exeter Chiefs on Saturday and Mallinder has hinted that the fly-half, who has spent much of the season as Stephen Myler's understudy, could start against Leeds at the weekend.

"Shane did really well when he came on," he said. "We know he's a really good player and you might find that he plays a little bit more game time at the weekend."

Meanwhile, following the signings of Russian wing Vasili Artemiev and Samoan centre George Pisi for next season, Mallinder has reiterated his commitment to improving the squad so that they can cope with international call-ups.

"What we can't do is get too many internationals, English based or overseas. We need players who are going to be available for us," added Mallinder.

"But if we want to be challenging in Europe and the top four in the Premiership, we need those quality internationals. We can't get rid of those."

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