FORMER Preston Grasshoppers starlet Alex Sanderson is being touted as a future captain of England following his invitation to train with Clive Woodward's squad in preparation for this weekend's Six Nations battle with Wales.

Sanderson will not be featuring at Twickenham on Saturday but the mere fact he has been called up at all is the clearest indication yet that the 20-year-old is on a fast-track towards full international honours - and sooner rather than later.

The versatile back row, who grew up in Rawtenstall, has caused a sensation with some stirring performances for Sale Sharks in the Allied Dunbar Premiership One so far this term.

And, after captaining the England Under 21 side on a regular basis over the last 12 months, the former Bury Grammar School student appears destined for a career at the top.

But the player himself is keeping his feet firmly on the ground, despite the fact his invitation to train with the seniors marks the fulfilment of a boyhood dream.

"To play for England is everybody's ambition and it's obviously been one of my main goals for as long as I can remember," said Sanderson.

"I never expected the chance to train with them to come this early but, now it's here, you've got to seize it with both hands. "I was apprehensive before I met up with the lads earlier this week but once I got there it was great.

"And I've learned such a lot over the last few days that can only help to make me a better player.

"But I think it could be another three years or so yet before I'm ready to become a full international."

Weighing in at 15st 6lb and measuring 6ft 3in in height, Sanderson is forging a reputation as a powerful performer with Sale.

Comparisons have even been made with England skipper Martin Johnson although Sanderson prefers to play down such talk.

"I wouldn't say we are similar in our styles of play although I think we probably have the same approach to the game.

"But he's a great player and, if I can emulate what he has achieved over the last few years, then that would be brilliant."

Inspired by his father, Bob, Sanderson started his club days with Littleborough in Rochdale before moving on to Preston Grasshoppers.

But it was his move to Sale - where he linked up with older brother, Pat, who has since moved to Harlequins - which provided the real catalyst for his career to flourish. England honours have since followed at both under 18 and 21 level.

And he will again captain the under 21s against Wales at New Brighton tomorrow.

But making the step up to full international level would mark his arrival on the big stage and fill his dad with pride.

"My dad used to play himself but, unfortunately, he got sat on by an 18 stone prop when he was younger and that ended his career at the age of 26," said Sanderson.

"So I think it's as much his dream as it is mine that I go on and play for England one day.

"He's had a massive influence on both mine and my brother's careers.

"He watches one of us every week and he's always encouraged me wherever I've been.

"But, unlike some parents, he's never put pressure on either of us during our careers."

As for England's chances in the Six Nations, Sanderson has been impressed by the start made by Matt Dawson's charges. But he expects the Welsh to provide their stiffest test yet as they close in on another Grand Slam.

"They've done brilliantly so far in the first two games.

"I wasn't sure whether or not they would beat France but they came up trumps on the day and, hopefully, we can do that again against Wales.

"But that's going to be a tough game.

"We were set to win the Grand Slam last year then lost to them by a try in injury time.

"So you can't rule Wales out but I think we've got to be odds-on favourites to win it from here."

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