THE players certainly have something to prove on Saturday -- not to the coaches or the supporters but to themselves.

We go into our clash with Saracens on the back of a poor display at Bath and the squad are very aware that the performance simply wasn't good enough.

They let themselves down at the Rec and it's all about showing their character because they know it's a pressure game.

Full credit must go to the players, though, because they've been very up front and honest about what went on at the Rec.

That's history now and there's no point in dwelling on it. We've learnt our lessons and we've moved on together this week as we look to Saturday.

What's important is that they perform against Saracens. Quality teams are consistent teams and we have to get that factor back into our game.

If we perform well as a team, like our performances against Leeds and Sale, then we will give Saracens a good game. If not, we'll struggle.

The players will be fired up for the match but we've talked about the importance of discipline. We conceded far too many penalties at Bath, especially in the first-half, and that was somewhat out of character for us because our discipline is normally good.

So, the players will step out onto the field determined to do a professional job because they understand the significance of this chance before our trips to Newcastle and Wasps.

To put it bluntly, we have to get something out of the game whether it's five points, four, two or even just one.

Obviously, if you ask me now, I want all five. However, what's important is that we continue to pick up the points.

We cannot do anything about other teams around us but we can look after our own back yard and that means getting something out of Saturday's clash.

Welcoming back James Brown into the fold is a big boost for us. His form has been good this season and, at present, he is the fly-half who is managing our game best.

After his appendectomy, we maybe expected him to be 50-50 for this match but he's trained all week and it's good to see he's made a full recovery.

Unfortunately, Chris Horsman will not be involved after twisting his ankle, but it gives Lee Fortey a great chance to come in and show us what he can do on the Premiership stage.

Lee hasn't had many opportunities this season so it's an ideal time to come in and prove, against very good opposition, just how good he is.

I always look at these things positively - one door shuts, another one opens.

People are beginning to plot how many points will be needed for Premiership survival but, to be perfectly honest, you might as well rip up the form book from now on in.

What this season has taught us so far is that you can expect the unexpected in the Premiership. Would anyone have predicted Northampton beating Leicester or Quins battering Gloucester?

Therefore, we're not going to bank on the Tigers going to Headingley and winning. What we have to do is be 100 per cent focused on our games.