Both players have been selected in a 24-man squad by Saints director of rugby Jim Mallinder.

Shields played in the Wanderers’ victory over Moseley on Monday night having recovered from a stomach injury and could make his Saints debut against Albion.

For Starling, however, the selection is more significant. He is in his first Saints squad since March 2005 when he played, and scored, against Gloucester in the then-Zurich Premiership.

In the two-and-a-half years since then he managed only an hour of rugby in the Guinness ‘A’ League. He has doubled that figure in the last two weeks having played 40 minutes against Saracens on September 17th and then the full 80 minutes against Moseley last Monday.

Starling’s play in those games has impressed Mallinder, as has his dedication to get back to full fitness.

“I was delighted to see Neil play against both Saracens and Moseley,” he said. “He has worked extremely hard to get through his injuries and it is credit to his dedication that he got back on the field. He’s a good player who has showed what he can do during both matches. There also has to be a lot of credit paid to the entire medical team for their care of him through the rehabilitation period.”

“After many months of rehab it’s great to be back in the routine of playing,” says Starling. “I’ve enjoyed the last two Wanderers games and, touch wood, everything’s been fine so far. I’ve had a lot of support from everyone at the club, my surgeons and friends and family and I’d like to thank them all. I’m determined to repay everyone’s faith in me.”

Barry Everitt, Ben Lewitt and Alex Rae have been rested from the squad that won at Bedford last Saturday while Johnny Howard has not recovered from a toe injury and is unavailable for selection.

Damien Browne returns, in addition to Shields and Starling.

“Plymouth will be a tough test,” said Mallinder. They have a big pack of forwards, a good goal kicker in Ross Laidlaw and proven strike power out wide in Nic Sestaret, who scored 28 tries last season. We will have to be at our best from the first whistle to win.”

Tickets are still available for Saturday’s match priced from just £12. Book yours from the Saints Ticket Office on 01604 581000 or by clicking here.

NORTHAMPTON SAINTS SQUAD TO PLAY PLYMOUTH ALBION
National League One
Franklin’s Gardens; Saturday, September 29th; kick-off 3pm
Backs:
Chris Ashton, John Brake, Paul Diggin, James Downey, Robbie Kydd, Stephen Myler, Bruce Reihana, Carlos Spencer, Neil Starling, Ian Vass, Tim Visser.

Forwards:
Damien Browne, Chris Budgen, Simon Emms, Darren Fox, Mark Hopley, Matt Lord, Karl Rudzki, Paul Shields, Christian Short, Terry Sigley, Barry Stewart, Paul Tupai, Dave Ward.

Saturday’s referee is Llyn Apgeraint-Roberts. Now in his sixth season on the Panel of National Referees, Apgeraint-Roberts is head of PE at a sports college near Blyth in Nottinghamshire, where he also lives.

The weather forecast for Saturday is fair with a maximum temperature of 16 Celsius, although there will be a northerly wind. So it’s the perfect time to visit the Saints Rugby Store, where there is a full range of jackets, beanie hats and scarves!