LUKE Elston could get the chance to follow in the prolific footsteps of his hero Jonny Wilkinson on Saturday and kick for goal at Twickenham.

The talented Blackburn RUFC youngster idolises the England number 10 and soon he will find out if copying Wilkinson's unique kicking style has been worth it.

Elston has qualified for the Gilbert Golden Boot kicking competition where the final will take place at half-time in the match between England and Australia.

The 16-year-old is one of nine young goal kickers to have won through after sccess at the regional competition at Sale.

The nine will go head-to-head on the adjacent Harlequins ground to see which two will get the chance to kick for goal at Twickenham.

Luke, who goes to Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School, said: "I am really looking forward to the chance of kicking for goal at Twickenham and I am confident I can win through on The Stoop.

"I am a massive fan of Jonny Wilkinson and I study all of his videos to try and improve my own kicking technique.

"I have even tried to copy the way Wilkinson clasps his hands together but not too often as I would probably get some stick for it!

"But just the slight chance of meeting him is enough to drive me on."

Luke, who has played at county level for the past four years, attended a kicking clinic earlier in the season run by former England full-back Simon Hodgkinson who put him forward for the competition.

Luke added: "I had to kick for goal during the half time break between the match between Sale and Gloucester and that was pretty nerve-racking.

"At the moment I feel quite calm but I am sure that will change once we get down to London."

However, even if Luke does not get to kick for goal on the hallowed turf of rugby union, he does have the privilege of carrying out the England flag out with his fellow finalists before the clash with the world champions.

He said: "That will be a great privilege for me to walk out on Twickenham when the national anthem is playing.

"I just hope I can get the chance to go back on and show off my kicking skills."