PENDLE Panthers Rugby League coach Steve Swann could be forgiven for feeling a little apprehensive ahead of England Under 21s clash against Lancashire next month -- because he has players in both camps!

For Sarah Dixon and Kelly Fergeson will be in the England line-up to take on county girls Andrea Dobson, Shaunagh McGarvey, Danni Simpson and Heather King.

The Panthers star players will come face-to-face at Oldham St Annes on March 16 and Swann will no doubt have mixed feelings.

"It is quite ironic that the girls will be facing each other," said Swann whose senior team currently lie in eighth place in the league. "Obviously I am very proud that they are all playing but naturally I am a little worried because the last thing I want to see is them hurting each other."

But Swann is seeing the positive side of the situation. For he is hoping the fixture will give the four Lancashire players a chance to shine in front of the England selectors -- and maybe get all his players on the same side next time.

"I see it as an ideal opportunity for the Lancashire girls to impress the England selectors. They have done very well to get in to the Lancashire side. Although Great Britain and England Under 21 squad players are barred from selection to the county teams this is still a notable achievement for them."

These are happy times for the club that is in its first season as a senior side.

For as well as players playing in the older age groups, the Panthers also have a number of squad members in the Lancashire under 14s and under 16s squads.

While Fergeson has been in the England set-up for a few months, Dixon became the second Panthers player to break in to the squad after a series of scintillating performances this season.

The free scoring full back at scored more than 20 tries this season -- at an average of three a game -- and Swann reckons the 16-year-old has what it takes.

"Sarah has unbelievable pace but she has a very good defensive game as well. She is our leading scorer but she has saved many tries with some excellent tackles."

Meanwhile, Dobson and McGarvey have made history after becoming the first players to be selected for both the Lancashire under 16s and Lancashire Women's teams.

Swann added: "They qualify for the under 16s squad by virtue of being under 16 on September 1 2002 but were also eligible for the Lancashire Women's trials as they had both turned 16 by the trial dates.

"Both were successful and will be the first to represent their county at under 16s and women's in the same season."

Lancashire Under 14s: Catherine Greenwood, Lisa Foley, Anne-Louise Waterhouse, Joanna Moss, Mel Charlewood.

Lancashire Under 16s: Andrea Dobson, Shaunagh McGarvey, Hannah Lord, Sam Ellerton.