Catt calls on Irish duo to make England breakthrough

Mike Catt last night backed winger Topsy Ojo and scrum-half Paul Hodgson to join a growing London Irish contingent in the England squad.

Exiles full-back Delon Armitage and lock Nick Kennedy were two of England's biggest success stories during a tough autumn international campaign, while Shane Geraghty is also part of Martin Johnson's elite squad.

Ojo, 23, won two caps on the summer tour of New Zealand while Hodgson, 26, made his Test debut off the bench during last season's RBS 6 Nations victory over Ireland.

Both are looking to force their way into Johnson's plans and Exiles veteran Catt believes they are all ready to take their games to the next level.

"Topsy has been tremendous again for us this season. He has not been a try-scorer like Sailosi Tagicakibau but with the work-rate Topsy puts in he creates tries for everybody else," said Catt.

"There is a very good chance if he carries on performing they have got to pick him with Delon Armitage. They combine very well together, understand each other's game.

"Paul Hodgson is massively knocking on the door because they need a nine who can control the game. Danny Care is a fantastic player, you need a nine with that control aspect."

Ojo, Hodgson and Kennedy yesterday signed new three-year contracts which keep them at London Irish until the summer of 2012.

"They are three massive signings for the club and there is a lot for them all to offer, especially on an international stage," added Catt.

London Irish, the Guinness Premiership leaders, take on second-placed Gloucester at the Madejski Stadium this Saturday determined to prove their title credentials.

"We have first-class coaches and are playing rugby that is enjoyable to be part of. We are going in the right direction and I believe we are credible Premiership contenders," said Kennedy, who would have been out of contract at the end of the season.