Resolute Marshall fancies chances at Saints

FIERCELY determined hooker Reece Marshall has declared himself ready to emerge from the shadows of Dylan Hartley and Mikey Haywood as Northampton look to fire their way back into Premiership title contention.

Luton-born Marshall, 23, has had to bide his time since joining the Franklin’s Gardens outfit in 2013 and last season his chances were wrecked by knee, rib and concussion injuries.

However, a late-season loan spell at Ampthill reignited his ambitions as he aims to make life difficult for England captain Hartley when he returns from Test duty.

“Last year was a real downer but I went to Ampthill and it helped a lot,” Marshall told The

Rugby Paper. “I got on with their coaches, Paul Turner and Aleki Lutui, really well and was grateful they gave me a lot of responsibility.

“Paul was keen to ask for my thoughts on the game and how we should play, so I really enjoyed that and it was one of the best loan clubs I could have had.

“It was a worrying time because my contract was up at Saints, but the club put a lot of faith in me by offering a new deal and I’ve got another chance.”

Highly-rated Marshall could have moved on but instead opted to follow the example of Jamie George, who once found himself behind Schalk Brits and John Smit at Saracens.

Marshall explained: “I spoke to people about that – do I stay or do I move on?

“You see some lads getting chances early on in their career, but then Jamie’s a great example of someone who’s remained patient, learnt from those around him and eventually got his rewards.

“I’ve got the England captain and Mikey Haywood here so you’ve got to perform every week. But I’m at the point where I feel I can really compete alongside them and forge my own pathway at Saints.”

Saints’ season is in the balance, but Marshall adds: “A lot of criticism has come our way but we’re determined to put things right.

“We’re scoring plenty of tries but defence is a big work-on for us.”