Delon's confident Steffon can make England a family affair

London Irish'S Delon Armitage is backing brother Steffon to force his way into the England squad, despite the flanker missing out on the 32-man party for the Six Nations.

Full-back Delon won a late call-up for the November Test matches and thinks Steffon could still feature in the Six Nations.

"I was an outsider at first and it made me more hungry to prove myself when the chance came," said Delon."Some players in this squad are injured and Steffon might get a chance. If he does, I'm sure he will take it."

Steffon, 23, who also plays at Irish, was left in the England Saxons by team manager Martin Johnson who named the injured Tom Rees and fit again Lewis Moody as his preferred No7s.

Delon has told his younger brother to take heart from his example in the autumn. "I got my chance because of injuries and have told Steffon to keep doing what he's doing and battling away in the Premiership," said the 25-year-old, "I'm sure he's not far off and will hopefully get a shot. "

Steffon will be in action for Irish at home to Connacht tomorrow but Delon may be given more time to recover from a foot injury.

The visitors have made one change with flu-victim Fionn Carr being replaced on the wing by Mike Roberts.