JUST a few short weeks ago it was pointed out to the Saints squad that plenty of them still had a lot to play for.

How they have responded.

Following the dismal defeat at Sheffield United on March 25, the anger was clear to see in George Burley.

Not only that but also disappointment as it appeared his side had virtually switched off for the summer.

They were heading for a relegation battle.

At that stage - with Saints just six points ahead of the drop zone - he proved what a cute operator he was by saying the right things at the right time.

He warned his players their performances weren't good enough and reminded a few others they won't necessarily be around next season unless things improved.

It had the desired effect, and then some.

Yesterday's 2-0 win over Millwall made it four league wins in a row for the first time this season - indeed for the first time in the league since February 2001 - and pushed the team into the top half of the Championship table.

It might not mean that much when push comes to shove, but it's another milestone on the Burley road to recovery.

More in tonight's paper