Rugby: White on stand-by for Vickery

Julian White could celebrate his first trip to Ireland with a call-up to replace Phil Vickery in the England side for the Six Nations championship game in Dublin.

Lion Vickery seems unlikely to be available for selection, due to an injury to his right knee, when Clive Woodward announces his team at the Portmarnock Hotel in Dublin at 10.30am today.

The Gloucester skipper injured his knee during the first half of Gloucester's 33-7 victory over Harlequins on Saturday.

White, who featured in England's summer tour to North America, missed Bristol's 37-20 defeat at Newcastle on Sunday also due to an injury to his right knee, but he travelled to Dublin on Monday and is eager to play.

"I was struggling a little with a strained medial ligament in my right knee and after discussions with Bristol coach Dean Ryan it was agreed that I would rest at the weekend as a precaution," said White.

"I could have probably played at Newcastle, at a push, but may have only lasted 15 or 20 minutes and then be sidelined for two or three weeks. It feels all right now and hopefully I can play some part in Saturday's game.

"After Ireland's victory in Wales at the weekend they really have their tails up with everything to gain from the match, while England have everything to lose.

"This is my first time in Ireland and I would like to be part of what is certain to be a great game on Saturday."

If White is named on the replacements' bench for the international then he seems likely to be included in the Bristol squad for their Premiership game at the Memorial Stadium against bottom side London Wasps on Sunday.