By Bryn Palmer

Sheridan is a ball-carrying prop

England legend Jason Leonard believes Andrew Sheridan can force his way into Andy Robinson's opening Test side.

The 6ft 5in, 20-stone Sale prop is in contention to win his first cap against Canada at Twickenham on 13 November.

"Andrew is one of the strongest men in rugby and has always been a superb athlete," Leonard told BBC Sport.

"He has huge physical presence and great speed for a man his size. Someone with that amount of talent could be a tremendous asset for England."

Sheridan, whose nickname is "Big Ted", is part of Robinson's 40-man squad training at England's Bagshot base this Monday and Tuesday.

That will be pared down to a match-day squad next week leading up to the Canada game, the first of Robinson's tenure as head coach.

Andrew has a great chance of appearing in these games Jason Leonard

Bromley-born Sheridan, who turns 25 on Monday, has long been viewed as a potential Test player.

He toured with the senior squad to South Africa in 2000 and was described by England's academy manager Brian Ashton as a "major power and a major talent" early last year.

But despite reaching A team level Sheridan is still waiting for his first senior cap.

Until now the biggest problem has been establishing what his best position is.

He played at lock, number eight and blindside flanker at previous club Bristol before converting to the front row.

Robinson unveils squad

Ironically, it is now club-mate, World Cup-winner Trevor Woodman, who stands in his way, with veteran Leicester prop Graham Rowntree the other loose-head in the squad.

"We have still got some tremendous props in the squad and it is not going to be an easy task for Andy Robinson to choose from that wealth of talent," Leonard noted.

"But Andrew (Sheridan) has a great chance of appearing in these games and knowing 'Robbo' he would like to give a few people a chance of performing on the big stage.

"Andy is his own man and if he feels the time is right to put a few uncapped players in he will do it.

"It is an exciting time for a young England player. They have got a chance of starting against Canada and if they play well they could be in line for a game against South Africa and Australia. You couldn't ask for more."