Geraghty admits shock at England call
Brian Ashton has made a bold first selection as he starts his time as England head coach
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Thursday, 04, Jan 2007 11:05
London Irish fly-half Shane Geraghty has admitted that his inclusion in England's Six Nations squad has come as a complete shock.
The 20-year-old is set to fight it out with fellow youngster Toby Flood for the world champions' number ten jersey as part of head coach Brian Ashton's first selection in the job.
"Brian Smith (Geraghty's coach at London Irish) phoned me to say: "you're in the England squad" but I thought he meant the Saxons," Geraghty said of hearing the news.
"I was so happy but then I got another call to confirm I was in the first team, and then I was even more shocked. I've been in a dream world since.
"I had no inkling that this was coming. I knew a squad was being announced but I try and keep away from things like that and keep my head down at London Irish."
Despite representing Ireland at under-16 level, the Exiles prodigy has featured for England at under-18s, 19s and 21s and insists that there was only one nation he could play for.
"I did play for Ireland but I have been through the academy system here and I have lived here my whole life so this is where my heart is," he said.
Although part of the 33-strong group of players, Jonny Wilkinson is almost certain to miss the side's opening Calcutta Cup clash with Scotland through injury leaving the way clear for one of the two rookies to take centre stage.
Another potential contender for the stand-off slot, Leicester's Andy Goode, has been left out of the squad altogether after a desperate run of form.