Aikman joy at England Counties recall (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Aikman joy at England Counties recall

5:22pm Wednesday 8th August 2007 in Sport By Steve Tinniswood, Sports reporter

CRAIG Aikman has a double reason to celebrate after passing his law exams and getting recalled to the England Counties squad.

The Burnley-born scrum half had to miss the tour to Russia because of his studies but has been selected for the inaugural FIRA/AER Festival to be held in South West France next month.

And 28-year-old has set his sights on a place in the starting line-up in his favoured number nine position rather than playing out on the wing.

"I'm delighted to be back in the squad," said the former Pak Hill Primary School pupil who plays for National Leaqgue Two side Halifax "I had to pull out of the Russian tour because I was studying for my exams so to get recalled is great. However, I have set my sights on playing at number nine. I don't want to play out on the wing anymore."

Aikman, who recently made his Lancashire debut, is in a 26-man squad for three match festival against Russia, Spain and France which begins on September 6.

"I think I owe my bosses one," said Aikman who works at Burnley law firm Donald, Rice and Newton Solicitors. "Initially, I only thought the competiton would last a week but apparently it is two weeks."