JASON Wilcox hopes to grab the international lifeline thrown to him by Howard Wilkinson and bring some light to what threatened to be the darkest two weeks of his season.

The Blackburn Rovers winger, admitting he was "chuffed to bits" by his late England call, was looking forward to joining the rest of the squad in training at Bisham Abbey today after treatment to a heel injury.

And he revealed that the telephone call from the international caretaker-boss could not have been better timed.

Wilcox was facing the prospect of an enforced fortnight's break because of his imminent three-match suspension.

But, following a remarkable about-turn in his fortunes, he now has the chance of claiming his second England cap against World Cup winners France at a packed Wembley tomorrow night.

With Wilkinson said to be considering a switch to 4-4-2, from Glenn Hoddle's preferred three centre backs, Wilcox's chances of making an appearance would seem to have been enhanced.

And, after this season's injury and discipline setbacks, he confessed: "I'm just glad to be involved and it's nice to be back in the fold again.

"After everything that has happened it has given me a lift at just the right time.

"I have never lost confidence in my ability but it does take a bit of a knock.

"But Brian Kidd has played me regularly and helped give me that little bit of extra confidence you need to make the difference."

Wilcox has already made a bit of history, by becoming the first player to be selected by Wilkinson. For the original squad was compiled by Hoddle.

Now he is hoping he might have the opportunity to add to the one senior cap he won against Hungary nearly two years ago. It would take him from the brink of despair to absolute delight. "I was so disappointed to be sent off against Spurs, gutted. And, depending on the fixtures, I could even have been out for a month," he said.

"I'm just glad it's only a week, as we have three games coming together.

"Then Howard Wilkinson called me up and for that to happen at this time was great.

"My foot's all right after treatment and I am looking forward to training.

"It just feels good to be involved again."

Ewood striker Matt Jansen is also hoping to be involved on the international stage, 24 hours before his Rovers team-mate.

The England under-21 team to face France at Derby tonight was due to be announced this afternoon, with Jansen tipped for a place.

Among his rivals is former Rovers striker James Beattie, now with Southampton, but Everton's Danny Cadamarteri has dropped out.

Another young Ewood star, David Dunn, had hoped to make the under-21 squad after his debut in their last match.

But he has had plenty of cause for satisfaction after scoring his first Premiership goal in Rovers' win at Villa.

"It was a little bit disappointing not to be picked but as long as I can keep doing it for Blackburn, that's what matters," said the teenage midfielder.

The win, and his superbly-taken goal, actually sparked off a double celebration - on the pitch and back home in Great Harwood.

"When I scored, I just set off and headed to where I knew my grandad and my mates were sitting," he said.

"Then, when I got back home, everyone was there waiting for me, all the family and my friends. It was brilliant."

David Worrell is hoping for a place in the Republic of Ireland B team against the FAI national XI tonight.

Rovers are continuing to make representations to the Republic of Ireland about the likely inclusion of Damien Duff in the World under-20 Championships in Nigeria this April.

Other clubs, notably Wolves and Everton, have also expressed concern.

Players could miss several Premiership games at a crucial stage of the season but, even though chief executive John Williams stressed the club were doing all they could, it is an official FIFA competition and the Irish can insist players are released, even though Duff is now recognised as a senior international player.

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