SCARLETS head coach Simon Easterby hailed the performance of Wales wing George North following his two-try display in the Scarlets' 28-20 Judgement Day victory over the Dragons at the Millennium Stadium.
North has been the subject of intense speculation over his future, with the 20-year-old facing a decision on whether to accept a deal to join Premiership side Northampton Saints.
All the headlines about whether he will leave Parc y Scarlets could have been a major distraction for the North Walian powerhouse, but North put all that behind him with a try in each half to help the Scarlets maintain their push for a Pro12 play-off spot.
"He took his tries very well and he looked sharp. I was pleased with his performance taking everything else that has been going on off the field," said Easterby.
"All I can ask of him, all his team-mates can ask of him and all he can ask of himself, is to focus on playing rugby at the moment. Other things will be decided out of our hands."
Asked when he expected a decision from North, Easterby said: "I don't know."
On the victory, the former Ireland flanker added: "We were frustrated to be level at half-time because we felt we were dominant in all areas and didn't reward ourselves enough.
"We were a bit sloppy in defence to allow them to come back on level terms, then showed a bit of class to take the game away from them in the second half. We just couldn't get that final try to get the bonus.
"But it was definitely four points won rather than one point lost. The Dragons were a lot better than they were against the Ospreys last week. At this stage of the season it is all about winning."
North has been the subject of intense speculation over his future, with the 20-year-old facing a decision on whether to accept a deal to join Premiership side Northampton Saints.
All the headlines about whether he will leave Parc y Scarlets could have been a major distraction for the North Walian powerhouse, but North put all that behind him with a try in each half to help the Scarlets maintain their push for a Pro12 play-off spot.
"He took his tries very well and he looked sharp. I was pleased with his performance taking everything else that has been going on off the field," said Easterby.
"All I can ask of him, all his team-mates can ask of him and all he can ask of himself, is to focus on playing rugby at the moment. Other things will be decided out of our hands."
Asked when he expected a decision from North, Easterby said: "I don't know."
On the victory, the former Ireland flanker added: "We were frustrated to be level at half-time because we felt we were dominant in all areas and didn't reward ourselves enough.
"We were a bit sloppy in defence to allow them to come back on level terms, then showed a bit of class to take the game away from them in the second half. We just couldn't get that final try to get the bonus.
"But it was definitely four points won rather than one point lost. The Dragons were a lot better than they were against the Ospreys last week. At this stage of the season it is all about winning."
