Northampton Saints star Ben Foden has hailed the teammates who have filled the number 15 jersey during his injury absence.
The England full-back has been sidelined since September after suffering an ankle injury and subsequently missed Rounds One and Two of the Heineken Cup.
Foden is nearing a return to action and is set to be available for the Saints' December double header with Ulster.
But he is full of praise for his competitors for a starting spot. James Wilson, Tom May and Stephen Myler have all deputised with aplomb.
"James Wilson was superb in the games that he played, sadly he just didn't last very long," said Foden.
"The 15 shirt seems to be a bit cursed this year because Myler, Jimmy and myself have all been injured playing in that position and I think those lads blame me really.
"Jimmy was real good when he started out. He's a really talented footballer, he can play 10, 12, 13, full-back - he's one of those guys who can fit into the squad anywhere. The samecould be said about Tommy May as well.
"We're lucky we've got that versatility in the players that they can step in and do a job in most positions."
Northampton currently sit second in Pool Four, with their clashes with Ulster set to be decisive.
The English club were unbeaten when Foden picked up his injury and while they have suffered a dip in form in the league he is convinced they can bounce back.
"I got injured in the third game when we were three from three," said Foden. "Things were good and then we won another two games at home.
"Things were looking good but our run of form has been pretty average since the fifth game and we've dropped down in the league.
"What we want to do in the next couple of games is climb up the league."
