Monye backs axed Quins pair

1:53pm Friday 4th July 2008

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Harlequins winger Ugo Monye has backed Churchill Cup winning skipper Will Skinner to win over new England team boss Martin Johnson after being dropped from the 64-man elite player squad.

The 25-year-old led England Saxons to trophy glory in North America this summer, but does not feature in Johnson's plans for at least the next 12 months.

Monye has been named in the second string squad alongside clubmates Nick Easter, Tom Guest, Mike Brown and David Strettle, with scrum-half Danny Care retained in the senior 32-man set-up for the coming autumn programme.

Skinner, named Quins player of the year last season, played in two of the three Saxons clashes last month, but has been deemed surplus to requirements.

But Monye believes he may be the victim of the new eight-year agreement between the RFU and Guinness Premiership clubs, which allows for the naming of only one full squad a year.

"I think when you are picking a squad of 64 for a 12 month period you have to look at players capable of filling a couple of positions," he said.

"It is hard to say what the coaches are thinking, but with the law changes maybe they are looking for a more dynamic back row.

"It is unlucky for Will because there is no question mark over his size or physicality. His strength is around the break down area and he has shown that all season for Quins.

"He is one of the most competitive players in our side. He is a key player for us and I know if anything this will spur him on to work even harder and play even better.

"The same can be said for Nick. If someone gets injured it only gives others an opportunity. He is experienced and been around long enough to know selection doesn't always swing your way."

Monye, who has been plagued by injury in recent years, has enjoyed a renaissance this season having burst onto the scene with the England Sevens.

And the former academy graduate believes he has learnt a valuable lesson from spells on the sideline that will stand him in good stead for the season to come.

"If there is one thing that has stuck out for me over the last year is the level of consistency you have to find to compete at the top," he added.

"I've managed to stay fit and been able to find some.

"It is a cliche but people in this game get bigger, faster and stronger, but I certainly don't like getting left behind and will be doing the same this summer."

England stars Care, Brown and Strettle are waiting on the outcome of RFU disciplinary officer Jeff Blackett's internal investigation into sex allegations made during the recent tour to New Zealand.

And Monye, who hailed Care for his on-field efforts Down Under, believes they have the strength of character to cope.

"It is tough on those guys, but they have the support of everyone at the club and I think they have coped with the situation really well," he added.