DEBUT star Jamie Shaul has been told he still has some way to go before contesting with Shannon McDonnell for Hull FC's full-back slot.
The 20-year-old former Skirlaugh amateur made a sparkling two-try debut in FC's 34-22 win at Wakefield on Monday.
But with McDonnell looking likely to win his fitness battle to return against Catalan at the KC Stadium tomorrow, Gentle says he remains some way ahead of his rival in the pecking order.
"Shannon is always going to walk straight back in there. As well as Jamie played, Shannon was our player of the month for the first month of the season, and he hasn't done anything wrong since then," Gentle said.
"He has been one of our form players this year, but what we do know now is that Shannon has to be on his toes because he now knows how well Jamie can play.
"Jamie still has a lot of work to do. He knows that and understands that."
Gentle has named both in his squad as he admits McDonnell will only regain his place should he prove to have recovered '100 per cent' from a recent back injury.
But as an out-and-out full-back, Shaul could fall out of the squad entirely, missing out on a place on the bench, should the Aussie play.
"We are quietly confident Shannon will get there but we will see. I'm not going to risk him if he is not 100 per cent, because I know how well Jamie can play," Gentle said.
Heading into the contest with the Dragons, Gentle admits securing back-to-back wins for the first time this season has been a topic of discussion at training this week.
He added: "It would be good to do it with a decent scalp. It is going to be tough but I think we have a very good shot."
