Hull FC's Danny Houghton holding out for England cap
Tuesday 28 February 2017 12:25, UK
Reigning Man of Steel Danny Houghton says his heart is set on representing England on the international stage after previously flirting with a Scotland call-up.
The Hull FC hooker, 28, spoke briefly to the Scottish management team before last season's Four Nations Series after losing out to Josh Hodgson and Daryl Clark in England coach Wayne Bennett's maiden tournament squad.
However, Hodgson has been given renewed hope of an international debut for the country of his birth after being named in the 30-man Elite Performance Squad that took part in its first training session at Hopwood Hall College near Manchester on Monday.
"They [Scotland] had a little bit of a talk but nothing too in depth," Houghton said.
"My grandad was Scottish but I wouldn't want to disrespect Scotland. I've nailed my colours to England now so hopefully I can play for these.
"It would be great. It's something you dream of as a kid, to play in a World Cup."
The Super League-based EPS also includes St Helens' James Roby and Houghton knows at least two quality hookers will be left at home when Australian Bennett assembles his squad for the mid-season Test against Samoa in Sydney in May.
"It's good to get amongst it and introduce yourself to the boys," Houghton said. "I've got used to the different terminology.
"There's six sessions and hopefully I can put my best foot forward in them and take some form into my club team.
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"It's a position we've got pretty good talent in. The competition for places is there to see.
"I'll do all I can for my club team and when I come here so hopefully that will be enough. But there's a long way yet."
The competition for the full-back spot is just as fierce but Houghton's Airlie Birds team-mate Jamie Shaul is determined not to get his hopes too high.
"They're all special players," Shaul said. "I think Zak has started the season very well.
"I'll just try to do my bit for Hull week in, week out, and hopefully I'm there or thereabouts by the time the tour comes.
"I thought I went pretty well last year but I missed out on a call-up but it's good to be here now.
"It's my first taste of this. I wasn't involved at amateur level so it's good to be around new blokes, to get to know different faces. I'm trying to take in as much as I can."
