Business as usual for Saints says Gardner.

ST HELENS won't be unduly affected by the ending of their 19-game unbeaten run at the hands of Hull Kingston Rovers last Friday.

That's the view of winger Ade Gardner as his side prepare for their visit to Celtic Crusaders on Saturday (Brewery Field, 6pm).

A late Michael Dobson penalty snatched a 20-19win for Rovers at the GPW Recruitment Stadium but Gardner believes it will be business as usual.

He said: "It's just a case of getting back on the horse.

We've had a look at the video and we feel there are a few areas where we can tidy up a little bit.

"Hopefully everything will come good, so we're looking forward to getting back into it.

"Last year we fell in a hole in the early part of the season but if anything good came out of it, it was learning to deal with a bit of adversity.

"There will be no panic stations and the squad is coming back towards full fitness. If we can come out with a win on Saturday we'll move on from there."

The visit of Super League's most successful ever team should see the Crusaders attract a bumper crowd for only their second home game in the top flight.

Gardner is wary of the Welshmen who are likely to see St Helens as a major scalp and also insists his side will be keeping close tabs on two on-loan Saints stars who could feature for the Welsh side.

He added "It's obviously a big game for them especially at home. They will be hoping for a big crowd and we're going to take a lot of fans too.

"It will be a new experience for most of our boys, playing down in Wales.

"We're looking forward to it and we know they pushed Hull really close.

"If Matty (Smith) and Steve (Tyrer) are selected, we know what they're capable of so we'll have to be on our toes."

Saints are likely once more to be without Australian back row forward Chris Flannery with an elbow injury.

CAPTION(S):

ON GARD: That's Saints star Ade Gardner