Stephen Myler insists Northampton Saints can challenge for Double

Northampton have a squad capable of challenging for a Premiership and Champions Cup double, according to fly-half Stephen Myler, who is looking to rekindle his England hopes after missing out during the autumn series.
Wasps were the last English side to claim both major domestic and European prizes in 2004, but defending Premiership champions Saints look well-placed to end that 11-season drought and Myler says that confidence is high.
Asked if Saints can aspire to the ‘double', Myler told TRP: “Yes, part of our success last year was the strength-in-depth of our squad – how lads came in when others were rested or injured and standards didn't drop.
“Traditionally, we'd struggled during the international periods but we've been managing those better in recent seasons, which is why we've managed to sustain our challenge.
“We're certainly confident in ourselves as a squad and on our day we know that we're more than a match for anybody in Europe.
“It's not a given and it's not easy, but if we can stay healthy, keep improving and execute near our best, we believe can challenge.
“There's never an issue with motivation, to a man our squad is determined to stay up there and be in a position to win more trophies.”
Saints have taken the added pressure of being defending champions in their stride, winning seven of their opening nine matches to lead the Premiership going into a hectic festive period.
Myler, right, said: “Being defending champions is something we're obviously aware of because we've been in that chasing position in the past.
“Teams always want to test themselves against the best and we know that we're there to be shot at.
“But it's something we're relishing and we've made a good start, but we've also got to respect the opposition or we'll come unstuck.
“We've got Leicester at home followed by Quins at Twickenham – both huge games in themselves – and if we could come away with wins in both of those, which is our aim, it will stand us in very good stead for the rest of the season.
“It's a massive challenge because they're two quality teams to tackle after back-to-back games against Treviso.
“But these are the sort of games we want to be involved in and we're really looking forward to testing ourselves.”
Injury put paid to Myler's England hopes in November, but he believes he can still force his way into the Six Nations reckoning.
Myler added: “I managed to pick up a slight hamstring injury in the first week of England training, which was the worst time it could have happened and kept me out for 10 days.
“I would have loved an opportunity in that period, but I'm healthy again now and want to get my form with Saints as high as possible.
“All you can ask with England is an opportunity so, hopefully, I can keep playing well for Saints and we stay in a good position. If Stuart Lancaster then gives me a chance, it's down to me.”
NEALE HARVEY