SEAN Long has been playing like a man on a mission so far this season - and even the distractions of the alleged betting investigation has not knocked him off his game in recent weeks.

Saints' number seven put in a masterful display to help guide his side over the last hurdle to Cardiff.

He can now focus fully on toppling his home-town team in the final - and make amends for the dismal failure of 2002 when the highly fancied Saints failed to deliver at Murrayfield.

"I was just happy to get on the field. I thought it was a good performance - I was nervous before the game - but only because it was the semi final of the Challenge Cup.

"And if we had lost, all those big, tough games - Bradford, Leeds and Hull - in the previous rounds would have counted for nothing.

"You really feel the nerves when you are only one step away from Cardiff. But we trained really well all week and our preparation was right.

"We are now really looking forward to playing at the Millennium stadium in front of a packed house. We sat out last year and had to watch a great game between Bradford and Leeds.

"I have spoken to some of the Bradford players and they said Cardiff was a lot better than Twickenham.

"I thought the atmosphere at Twickenham was great - but winning helps!"

Long played a blinder in Saints' treble completing success over Bradford at Twickenham in 2001, walking off with the Lance Todd trophy.

Now he is hoping to repeat that in the principality.

"Cardiff is a big pitch and I am really looking forward to getting out there.

"I am sure there will be plenty of Saints fans cheering us on.

"We want to give them a win after doing all this hard work," Long said.

Long will be lining up against Papua New Guinea international Adrian Lam - who has been a thorn in Saints' side over the previous two seasons, particularly at Murrayfield in 2002.

But Lam has only just returned from a major knee reconstruction - which could find him out.

"Before Adrian had his injury he was probably the best half back in the competition.

"He is a great player, but coming back from a major knee reconstruction can take a little time.

"He will not bounce back straight away. I have had two of those and you need time and games under your belt. He is still a world class player though."

Great Britain scrum half Long has been on fire this year with his tackling being a particular strong aspect of his game.

"Defence is something I have worked on, especially because I am a bit smaller than the rest of the boys. I have worked hard on that aspect both in pre-season and since we kicked off. It is paying off now. I am also getting older!" he quipped.

On attack Long has now adjusted to playing without long standing half back partner Tommy Martyn, who left Knowsley Road midway through last season.

But that adjustment has been helped immensely by the magnificent start the injury free Jason Hooper has made to the season.

Long said: "Tommy was like my left arm to be honest, we just worked really well.

"To see Tommy go was really tough, but Jason and Scully are class players.

"We have gelled together really well, I am just glad I have such great players playing around me."