FULL-BACK Chris Pennell is hoping to repay the faith of the national coaches in England Saxons’ clash against Ireland Wolfhounds in Cork.

Pennell made his full England debut in the summer when he came on as a late replacement against New Zealand.

“I spoke to the England coaches last year and they said they didn’t have an issue with me staying at Worcester and playing in the Championship, which was great to hear,” he said.

“I think my selection proves that it wasn’t a problem and they have kept to their word and I am very grateful for the opportunity.”

Pennell is the only Championship player in the England squad for Friday’s match and has impressed in his last two outings for Worcester.

“It’s unfortunate that I will miss the Doncaster game but this is a great opportunity and I am hoping to come back as a better player from the experience,” he said.

“I think I probably put too much pressure on myself when I came back from injury and tried to do too much.

“I know I have go out and enjoy the rugby and that’s what I was doing last season and that’s what I am, hopefully, starting to do now as well.”

The Worcester-born player’s main aim is to make England’s World Cup squad for this autumn’s showpiece competition..

“This selection is a stepping stone and my goal is to be in the World Cup squad and there’s nothing more that Dean Ryan would like to see me do.”

Warriors head coach Carl Hogg is confident Pennell will give a good account of himself if he’s given the opportunity in Cork.

“I think the groin injury disrupted Chris’ preparation going into the season,” said Hogg.