Andy Kyriacou aims to follow his friend Richard Wigglesworth into the England team by marking his first Saracens start with victory over the scrum half's club side Sale Sharks on Sunday (3pm kick off).

The hooker starts for the first time since joining the Men in Black from Sale in 2004 and is determined to take his chance with both hands.

Fabio Ongaro has been called into Italy's training camp for Sunday's Six Nations clash with France while first choice scrum ball winner Matt Cairns is named on the bench after recovering from a broken arm sustained at Viadana in December.

And while he is disappointed not to be facing new England hero Wigglesworth, Kyriacou views Sunday's game as the first rung on the ladder to international recognition.

Wigglesworth capped a dazzling debut for Brian Ashton's men with a late try in their 13-24 Six Nations victory over France in Paris and Kyriacou is determined to enjoy his turn in the spotlight, albeit at the less salubrious surroundings of Vicarage Road.

"I'm very happy to be starting as I've waited for the chance for a long time at Saracens," said the 25-year-old. "It's going to be a tough test against Sale but we've got to get a win after losing the last three games, and I'll be doing everything I can to achieve that."

If facing his old team was not enough motivation to do well the Liverpool-born hooker is an avid Everton fan. There is no love lost between Merseysiders and Mancunians, another reason for Kyriacou to help sink the Stockport based Sharks.

"It will be good to play against some of the boys again from my time there," he added."I am good friends with Richard Wigglesworth, but obviously he won't be playing.

"I'm really glad things have taken of for him with England. He took his chance well against France and, fingers crossed, will do the same against Scotland this weekend.

"Once you see a mate doing well you want to get to where they are. But my first goal this season is to keep hold of the number two shirt and do as well as I can every time I am on the field."

Kyriacou enjoyed a six month loan stint at Munster, Sarries boss Alan Gaffney's old team, last season and has scored one try in 12 appearances from the bench this season.

"I've always tried to make as much impact as possible when I've come off the bench," he said. "I hope I've added enough to the team.

"I've been handed the opportunity and there is no way I want to lose the shirt now. It's up to me to go out and play as hard as I can."

10:15am Friday 7th March 2008

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