Houghton stays focused

Hull hooker Danny Houghton is focused on helping his side reach their potential in Super League, despite being tipped for full international honours in 2012.

Houghton, 23, was a stand out performer for the Airlie Birds last term, and was named in the England Knights squad at the end of the season, seen by many as a stepping stone to the full England set-up.

But with new signing Aaron Heremaia providing competition for a starting place in the Hull line-up, Houghton just wants to focus on his club rugby for the time being.

He told the club’s official website: “I’m trying not to think too far ahead at the moment. I’m just focusing on training hard and playing consistently well at the moment. 

“I will need to do that just to get a spot in this Hull team. We’ve got a great squad here and nobody is guaranteed a place. 

“Everybody calls Hull FC a sleeping giant and we’ve not done as well as we should do with the players we have, but we won’t put that right by getting ahead of ourselves.”

New coach Peter Gentle will be able to cast an eye of his squad in action for the first time in the coming weeks, with friendlies against York, Hull KR and Bradford lined up.