Millward backs Lee to prove his worth (From Warrington Guardian)

Millward backs Lee to prove his worth

SAINTS' former Bulls utility player Lee Gilmour will be out to settle a few scores against his former club on Sunday, when the summer era's two most successful clubs lock horns in the fourth round Challenge Cup tie at Odsal (2.15pm).

Great Britain test player Gilmour left Bradford in November after spending most of last season being used in short spells off the bench.

But strong running Gilmour impressed in the two warm-up games and his sharp bursts pepped up Saints' attack in the opener against Hull on Friday night.

Now coach Ian Millward has set a target to help Gilmour shake off that 'impact player' tag and give him the opportunity to get a regular start with Saints and then Great Britain.

Millward said: "The biggest pressure on Lee has been coming to Saints and becoming an 80 minute player.

"Whether it has been with Bradford, Yorkshire or Great Britain, Lee always used to get picked on the bench. Last year, even when blokes dropped out of the Yorkshire side, they kept him on the bench.

"He was looking for a regular first team start - all I could guarantee him was an opportunity. It is up to him how he goes from here because nobody is guaranteed a spot. But he has been quite outstanding for us and was one of our best forwards last week.

" I don't think he has to prove anything. He just needs to carry on the way he is. By playing regular with us I feel he could be in a position where he starts Test matches. That is what I would like to see."

He paid tribute to the Bulls, particularly the way they have demolished their previous two opponents, Penrith Panthers and Wigan. But says his own players are undaunted by the opposition.

"Bradford are playing really great and they were very good against Penrith.

"They were stronger, more skilful, more passionate and everything else than the other side and Penrith were very keen to win that game. They followed on well - Bradford were a long way in front of Wigan last Friday.

"But I am just looking forward to the occasion because I am pretty sure whoever wins this game will be in the final at Cardiff," Millward said.

Ade Gardner has resumed training and should be in line to play, although Millward has the option of keeping Dom Feaunati in the side after some impressive early displays in the red vee.

Prop Ricky Bibey won't play after damaging his ankle ligaments in training. The 22-year-old former Wigan prop is expected to be out for six weeks.