AUSTRALIAN legend Tim Horan has admitted he is surprised at the omission of his colleague Kevin Sorrell from the latest England squad.

Horan,31, has forged a superb partnership with Sorrell in the centre so far this season and is as well-placed as any to assess his credentials.

"Kevin is an outstanding player," said the double world cup winner. "I can't see why he isn't an international player.

"He has been the best player at the club for the past couple of years and it is good to play alongside such a talented player who is physical as well.

"But I think Kevin is very happy to keep playing well for Saracens and his main aim is to help Saracens win something."

Horan, who has made 21 appearances for the club since his arrival at the start of last season, was given the captaincy for the match against Bologna on Sunday, October 28, after Adelatif Benazzi pulled out with a bout of flu.

"Abdel was sick on the morning of the match so I stepped in as captain," he said. "It is a great honour to part of the club as well as being captain."

November 6, 2001 10:30