RADCLIFFE pool ace Karl Boyes is ready to mark his 888.Com World 8-Ball Championship debut by collecting a world title.

Boyes failed in his bid for individual glory when he lost in the third round to fellow England international Ian Hubbard.

But the 20-year-old world championship newcomer has helped his country into the men's team final this weekend.

And Boyes, who works as a removals man in Ramsbottom, was in excellent form in a semi-final victory over Wales.

He won both his matches against Neil Kershaw and former world quarter-finalist Craig Reynolds as the holders won 11-5.

And he'll be looking to keep his place in the team when England tackle first time finalists Northern Ireland.

Only seven players will be selected and the defending champions have brought a squad of nine to the championships.

"The team has been picked but I haven't told the players," says skipper Lee Kendall. "But it pretty much selects itself."

Boyes is confident he will get the nod from his captain. "I finished third in the averages and won both my games in the semi-final," he said.

"I'll be disappointed if I'm not in. I'm sure I will be a bit nervous because I've not played in a situation like it before."

And if he does make it into Kendall's final selection Boyes' big moment won't be shared with his family.

"They've told me they'd like to come down. But I don't want anyone watching as it's my first big final.

"I just want to deal with it myself. I was disappointed to lose in the singles but Ian is a good player and he dished up well in the last frame and didn't give me a chance."

Like Boyes, Northern Ireland will be appearing in their first team final. They came from 8-6 down to defeat former champions Australia 11-10.