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Rugby Union

Sheridan set for early return

15/02/2007

Injured prop Andrew Sheridan will return to competitive rugby a month earlier than expected if he plays for Sale Sharks this weekend.

The England front-row broke his ankle during the autumn internationals and was not thought to be available for selection for club or country until at least early March.

However, the 27-year-old is back in full-contact training and is pushing for a recall in Sale's Guinness Premiership match at Wasps on Sunday.

"It's great to see him back in full training," said Sharks head coach Kingsley Jones.

"He's done contact all week and there is a possibility he might play at the weekend but we'll have to see how he is over Friday and Saturday.

"We don't want to rush him back too quick. His return has given the team a real boost though."

Sheridan's availability for his club side could alert the attentions of England head coach Brian Ashton, who has taken over the reigns with the national side while the loose-head prop has been out with the injury.

Sheridan has already missed out on selection for the England squad for the match against Ireland at Croke Park on February 24th but he could push for an international recall in time for the crucial clash with France on March 11th.

England's current first-choice front row consists of hooker George Chuter and props Perry Freshwater and Phil Vickery. Perpignan forward Freshwater would be the most likely to make way if Sheridan is selected in the starting XV against France.

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