Houghton is backed to gatecrash England party

The Airlie Birds vice-captain was overlooked by national chief Steve McNamara for next Friday’s International Origin against the Exiles despite a growing clamour for him to be given a chance at the highest level.

Houghton has been hugely influential throughout Hull’s season, not only in their prolific recent run which has seen them lose just once in 10 games.

An injury to Wigan hooker Michael McIlorum could have opened up a slot for him to make his England debut next week but McNamara has plumped instead for the more experienced James Roby and Rob Burrow in his 20-man squad.

However, Hull coach Peter Gentle believes the 24 year-old’s opportunity could still materialise.

“Danny’s going really well and last week against Leeds he made around 55 tackles,” he said.

“He can do that. Our forwards allowed him to come into the game and if they can do that each week, maybe he’ll get that representative jumper at the end of the season. It’s not the end of the line for Danny missing out on the Exiles game.

“If we have a big back end of the season it will push a few more of our players under the selectors noses. I’d like to see three or four more of our players get some recognition; I think we’ve five good enough to be in that side.”

However, Gentle does not believe burgeoning young centre Ben Crooks and powerful winger Tom Lineham – just 19 and 21 respectively but currently wreaking havoc on Super League defences – are ready for such a rapid progression.

They have been touted for international call-ups after each grabbing 12 league tries so far but he said: “Tom has played 19 games, Ben 27 and I think people are getting carried away.

“As well as they are playing, the England Knights is the realistic goal for both of them.

“There is a bit of hype around them, but that is premature.

“They are grounded, they know they have a lot of work to do and need a few more games under their belt at this level.”