91Èȱ¬

Director of rugby Steve Diamond hopes more Sale players will follow Henry Thomas into the England set-up.

The prop, who made his England debut during the summer tour of Argentina, was added to the national squad for Saturday's game with Australia.

He was later released from the party, but Diamond believes more international recognition will follow for Thomas, 22.

He said: "England is on the horizon. He just needs to keep doing what he does for us - playing well every game."

Speaking to 91Èȱ¬ Radio Manchester, Diamond added: "Henry's doing really, really well. He's unfortunate that he's missed out."

At present, Thomas is the only Sale player to be included in England's Elite or Saxons squads.

Diamond has admitted a poor season for the Sharks last term has contributed to that, but added that an improved Premiership showing in 2013-14 will hopefully result in call-ups for more of his players.

"What our lads need to do is keep playing well for Sale," Diamond continued. "They'll get their heads above the parapet, get into the Saxons team and then hopefully get a look at selection.

"We have a good relationship with England and we speak with them on a weekly basis, so they know which players are doing well.

"Lads like Tommy Taylor, Ross Harrison and James Gaskell will all be pushing for England honours in the near future, I hope."

Sale, who have won three of their first six league matches and are seventh in the Premiership table, host Exeter at the AJ Bell Stadium on Friday.