Kennedy was capped twice in the November internationals

Eight London Irish players have been chosen in the two England squads announced on Wednesday.

Delon Armitage, Shane Geraghty and Nick Kennedy are all in the elite player squad for the 2009 Six Nations.

Steffon Armitage, who had been tipped to make the senior squad, is in the Saxons along with Peter Richards, Paul Hodgson, Topsy Ojo and David Paice.

"It is a good reflection of what we are trying to do here," Exiles coach Toby Booth told BBC Radio Berkshire.

"It reflects well on the individual players and the coaching they have received and, ultimately, the position the team is in."

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"I'd like to think he's a shoe-in to start the Six Nations - I'd be very disappointed if he wasn't," he said.

"He's carrying a knock for us at the moment and has not played for four weeks, but Nick did very well in the November internationals.

"We all know how good he has been for London Irish and he has shown that he can make the step up to international rugby.

"I can see him having a really big future for England."

Geraghty has been blighted by injuries since his England debut in March 2007

"There has been a lot of contact this season between the two squads, so you are still involved in the Saxons and you get plenty of feedback," he said.

"They have said to me all season, keep doing what you're doing - play well for your club and be solid in everything you do and wait for your opportunity.

"Things have been going well for me and for Irish. I'm happy with my form so if England come calling I'll be happy to accept that chance, but you cannot think about that too much."

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