Briscoe receives England call-up
Hull FC's Tom Briscoe is tackled
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Hull FC starlet Tom Briscoe has been called into the England squad for the upcoming Four Nations tournament as injury cover.
The 19-year-old, who can play at centre or on the wing, replaces Wigan Warriors' Sean O'Loughlin after he was ruled out with a broken thumb.
Briscoe made an impressive start to his international career with two tries on his debut in Saturday's 48-12 victory over Wales in Bridgend.
But he said he was still taken aback to be offered a place in the England squad by head coach Tony Smith.
"The call came right out of the blue. I wasn't expecting it but it has made my week," said Briscoe, who missed three months of the 2009 season because of an ankle injury.
"I was more than happy to just have played against Wales. Considering the frustrations of this season I didn't expect much more.
"To have got a call up to join the Four Nations squad is more than I could have expected. It is just fantastic and it really does put a totally different view to the season."
Briscoe has played only 29 senior games for Hull, scoring 14 tries, but he remains hopeful of breaking into the England team for the upcoming tournament.
"Making the squad doesn't guarantee anything but having got this far I'd like to get in the side and play in the Four Nations," he continued.
"I have just got to work hard, try my best and impress in training. If I do that then hopefully that will get me in the side."
Hull FC head coach Richard Agar said Briscoe deserves his chance after working hard to get back to playing standard following his injury-plagued 2009 season.
"It's good news for Tom and I am pretty certain that had he not suffered his injury when he did he would have played himself into the 24-man squad a little earlier than this," he said.
"He had a chance to push himself forward on Saturday night against Wales and I felt he took his chance well.
"We're pleased for him and knowing him as we do we know nothing will phase him and he certainly won't let anyone down."
England open their Four Nations campaign against France at the Keepmoat Stadium this Friday, October 23rd.