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Martyn out to mesmerise Wigan

THE `Gypsy'' of St Helens is ready to cast a Challenge Cup final curse over Wigan Warriors.

Tommy Martyn - nicknamed `Gypsy'' by his team-mates - will have some Murrayfield magic up his sleeve according to Saints'' half-back partner Sean Long.

Scrum-half Long knows Martyn invariably delivers the goods against the old enemy.

He told M.E.N. Sport: "I am up for this one and I know Tommy and the other lads feel the same.

"He is a great half-back partner. We compliment each other and we enjoy a big game against Wigan.

"Tommy made a wonderful try for us when we beat the Warriors at Easter.''''

Martyn landed the `Gypsy'' tag because of his dark looks, designer stubble and a shining gold ear-ring.

In recent clashes with Wigan he has been `Tommy the Tormentor'' and has Tony Barrow to thank for his big break in RL.

The Swinton Lions chief executive told M.E.N. Sport: "He is a wonderful player. I coached his dad at Warrington and remember young Tommy was always there throwing a ball about.He was a cracking little player when he was nine or ten.

"I signed him for Oldham from one of the amateur clubs at Leigh and even played him in a major final when he was just 17.

"People said I was mad but I knew then what a talent he had.

"He is a wonderful player - the best in the business.

"I told Saints to sign him. He and Chris Joynt were not getting much rugby at Oldham and I told former chairman Mal Kay, who I was working for, to go and get them.

"It took a bit of persuading, but Saints got them for a snip and what inspired signings they have proved.

"Both players have given marvellous service to Saints and are up there with the club''s top players.

"Joynt has proved a magnificent skipper while Martyn is a joy to watch.

"He is one of those players who is always trying to make things happen. He is clever and has a wonderful football brain. His partnership with Long can be deadly."