Lawes determined to stay in England side
Jimmy's End giant Courtney Lawes says now he has got his hands on the England No.4 shirt he intends to keep hold of it.
After a long and frustrating wait in the wings, Lawes was given his first international start on last month's tour of Australia and he didn't disappoint, putting in a barnstorming display as England won for only the third time Down Under in the second Test.
With Steve Borthwick injured, Lawes took his chance and was rewarded with a place in Martin Johnson's Elite Player Squad, while his former skipper was dropped to the Saxons.
The 21-year-old Saints star, who was brought up within a stone's throw of Franklin's Gardens, looks certain to start in the November internationals and with the 2011 World Cup on the horizon everything is in place for the 6ft 7in, 18st lock.
Lawes, who can also play at blindside, said: "Now I have got the No.4 shirt I know I have to keep performing to keep it. We had some great second rows on tour. I'm sure Simon Shaw isn't done and very good players like Dave Attwood and Geoff Parling are coming through.
"Wearing the No.4 shirt was a proud moment for me and hopefully I'll get a few more of them."
Lawes has no better mentor in the England squad than boss Martin Johnson, who was arguably the country's greatest lock.
After making his England debut last November, coming off the bench in the 18-9 defeat against Australia, Lawes had to sit on the bench for eight games before finally getting his chance.
But in hindsight the learning on the sidelines may have been no bad thing for the youngster.
"Johnno knows when you're ready," said Lawes. "That is why we went out there in Sydney and turned in a good performance. Not being picked was frustrating at times, but I didn't think too much about it as my focus was on trying to keep playing well.
"I knew if I did that I'd get a shot at playing for England and that I'd take it.
"It's a huge bonus for me to have somebody like Johnno involved with England. You can learn so much from any of the coaching staff, but especially from somebody who played in your position."
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Friday 10 February 2012
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