WOLVES boss Tony Smith says his players are more focused than ever ahead of their Super League semi final against St Helens tonight, Thursday, kick off 8pm.

The Wire ensured their last-four tie will be played against fourth-placed Saints at The Halliwell Jones Stadium with a 23-6 win over Hull FC on Friday.

The victory snatched top spot and the League Leaders’ Shield away from their hosts less than a month after their Challenge Cup Final heartbreak.

Attention now turns to the clash with Keiron Cunningham’s side, against whom Wolves have a wretched home record having lost on their past seven meetings with Saints at home.

However, Smith says his side are in the mood for dispelling poor records.

“We’ve been focused. While Wembley hurts and disappoints you it can also focus you and make you more determined,” he said.

“We’ve tried to take as many positives as we can from our performances but also learn from the not-so-good periods.

“That’s the attitude we have at the moment. We need to take that into Thursday night and maybe even beyond.

“We understand our record at home against them. It will be well-publicised, it’s something we need to consider and make sure we’re aware of it but also rectify it.

“We didn’t have a great record against Hull this year until last week, so things can easily change.”

Stand-off Kurt Gidley returns after he missed the Hull FC game with a hamstring strain.

He replaces Brad Dwyer in Smith’s squad, while Ryan Bailey (calf) and Chris Sandow (knee) are not yet fit to return.

With Saints currently enjoying a run of 11 victories from their past 12 games, Smith is anticipating a “mouth-watering” clash between the near neighbours.

“It’s certainly going to be exciting, two well-supported teams that have put on some fantastic matches over the last few years,” he said.

“There’s a great rivalry between the two clubs so it has the makings of a fantastic game.

“It’s a mouth-watering chance for both teams, we understand the ramifications of it and we’re going to focus as best we can on playing good rugby league.

“If we do that, it gives us a chance for bigger prizes.”

Wolves 19-man squad: Ryan Atkins, Daryl Clark, Rhys Evans, Kurt Gidley, Chris Hill, Jack Hughes, Benjamin Jullien, George King, Toby King, Tom Lineham, Dec Patton, Kevin Penny, Joe Philbin, Stefan Ratchford, Matty Russell, Ashton Sims, Morgan Smith, Joe Westerman, Sam Wilde.