Alex Mitchell set for Northampton return in Champions Cup quarter-final

Northampton Saints boss Phil Dowson has received a double boost ahead of their Champions Cup quarter-final at Bath on Friday night, with England stars Alex Mitchell and Fin Smith set to feature at The Rec.

Lions ace Mitchell has been out of action since damaging his hamstring in England’s 42-21 Six Nations defeat against Ireland in February, but is now back in full training and has been cleared to play against the Gallagher PREM champions.

Smith missed the win over Castres last weekend after suffering a head knock in the 21-17 win over Saracens at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but he is available as Saints look to end Bath’s double hopes, whilst at the same time bolstering their own.

George Hendy is also set to return, but winger James Ramm strained a hamstring in the first half of the 49-41 win over Castres and is ruled out. Dowson has confirmed his two England stars will play.

“To have two international players who are absolutely integral to this club available is fantastic. You know, you’ve got to bear in mind that Mitch hasn’t played for a long time, hasn’t done tons of training,” said Dowson.

“He’s obviously done a full training week this week and most of it last week as well. So, we’ve got to be mindful about how we reintroduce him, but the quality of those players is undoubted and it’s great to have that selection opportunity now.

“But by the same breath, Tony’s (Belleau) been good and Archie McParland’s been excellent. So, we’re in a good spot there from a decision-making point of view.”

Saints will, however, be without another England star, Alex Coles, who has an ankle injury, but Dowson hopes he will be back within a month after being sent away on holiday to get ready for the end of season run-in.

“He’s currently in the Atlas Mountains at a Richard Branson Resort with his partner. From what I gather, he’s tracking well, but he’s probably a few weeks to a month away. We obviously miss him,” Dowson revealed.

“He didn’t have any time (off) opportunity during the Six Nations and has now picked up this injury. We thought it was a good time for him to refresh. Because of the injury, he didn’t fly to Antigua the week that he was supposed to be off with a couple of his mates. So, this is his booby prize.”