Adam Powell hopes to end his 2008 scoring drought by crossing the line for Saracens against Sale Sharks on Sunday.

The 21-year-old centre has five tries this season but the last of them arrived against Llanelli Scarlets at the beginning of December.

And Powell admits it would be nice to find the whitewash against the side he made his try scoring Saracens debut against three years ago.

"I haven't scored for a while so I definately think one is due," said the former England Under 19 skipper. "It would be nice to score against Sale but a try is a try, and I'd be happy to score against any side at the moment."

Powell scored the only try of the game the last time the sides met at Vicarage Road 12 months ago which Sarries won 22-9.

By virtue of injuries to fellow centres Andy Farrell and Kevin Sorrell, Powell has racked up 17 appearances this season and has no desire to head back to the bench when Farrell, his rival for the number 12 shirt, finally shakes off a troublesome rib injury.

"It's not the way I wanted to get into the squad but I am enjoying my rugby at the moment," he added. "Having played with a few different partners in midfield has not been ideal but you are always going to have injuries over the course of a season."

While admitting he is far from the finished article Powell is hoping to do everything he can to transform Sarries' recent downturn in fortunes.

"There are still a few little things in my game which need clearing up and worked on," he said. "It's not easy when results have not quite been going our way.

"But we know we are a good side who are capable of rolling over any side on our day. We've still got to play Sale, Leicester,Gloucester and Wasps, so things are still very much in our own hands."

And is he still determined to keep hold of his shirt ahead of the soon-to-return Farrell?

"Absolutely," he replied. "There is no point wanting to be in second place."

3:58pm Thursday 6th March 2008

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