Crusaders are key for Smith after Saints talk.

Byline: Simon Kendal-Williams

THE door may have opened for Matty Smith to return to St Helens at the end of the year - but he insists only the Celtic Crusaders are in his thoughts right now.

The 21-year-old scrum-half is on a season-long loan from the current Super League leaders and has impressed at the Brew-erField in an injury-affected first half of the campaign.

But the news this week from Knowsley Road that Saints stalwart Sean Long is poised to leave the club after only being offered a one-year contract has brought a return to his hometown club markedly closer for Smith.

"It's good news for me, of course it is," he said.

"But there's no saying Saints won't go and buy someone else.

"They may have another youngster coming through the ranks - or Longy might yet take what they've offered him.

"I've just got to keep going, keep doing well here.

"I'm enjoying it here, living and playing, so I could well be here next year.

"Obviously, it's up to John (Dixon), and we'll see what happens.

"But for now, all I'm thinking about is the here-and-now and building on our first win."

That first Super League win at Bradford Bulls last weekend has suddenly ignited the Crusaders' season after 11 games without success.

As it marked his return from a six-week lay-off with an ankle injury, the 30-24 victory at Odsal was doubly sweet for Smith.

Now he wants more of the same, starting tonight against Catalans Dragons in front of the Sky Sports cameras (6pm).

"It was just brilliant to be back," he said.

"And we know what winning feels like now - we've just got to do it again.

"We've beaten one of the best teams in Super League on their own ground.

"Now we have to turn the Brewery Field into a tough place for other teams to visit.

"It was still along trip home from Bradford, but we found it certainly helps when you return with the points.

"We're definitely a lot happier.

"People and the media were asking when the first win was going to come, and you don't even know yourself.

"You just carry on working hard and hoping it will come sooner rather than later.

"It was a great feeling and I think the pressure has lifted a little now."

Smith is well aware back-to-back home games for the first time this season represents a golden chance to catch up with the rest of the league, from whom they are currently six points adrift.

And the fact that next Saturday's re-arranged clash with Wakefield Wildcats (7pm) is also shown live only adds to the incentive to perform.

"It's a chance for me and a chance for all of us to impress," he said.

"We can show what we can do now we've broken our duck.

"It's great to play in a live TV game because you know all your family and friends are watching "And there's no reason why we can't win both these games.

"Catalans Dragons haven't been in the best form this year, though they're coming here after giving St Helens a good game.

"But they're certainly beatable."

Celtic Crusaders (from): C Beasley, A Blackwood, M Bryant, N Budworth, D Mapp, J Chan, M Dalle Cort, L Dyer, J Hannay, B Flower, A James, J James, R O'Hara, M Lennon, D Quinn, D Tangata Toa, M Smith, L Withers, J Van Dijk.

Catalans Dragons (from): J-P Baile, S Bell, A Bentley, G Bird, T Bosc, D Carlaw, R Casty, V Duport, O Elima, D Ferriol, C Gossard, C Greenshields, J Guisset, C McGuire, A Mogg, G Mounis, S Perry, C Stacul, J Touxagas.

CAPTION(S):

Sean Long Crusaders Matt Smith is on-loan from St Helen's, but doubts over the future of Sean Long, below, may pave the way for Smith to return to his parent club