SHARKS’ prop Andrew Sheridan will miss England’s next Six Nations match due to an infection.

Sheridan was admitted to hospital in Bath on Monday with an abscess adjacent to his right Achilles tendon.

Despite introvenous antibiotics and a minor operation to drain the infection, he has not recovered sufficiently to be considered for selection.

It means Sharks, who have five players in England’s training squad, now have just one representative in the 22 – uncapped scrum-half Richard Wigglesworth.

Sale winger Mark Cueto and fly-half Charlie Hodgson have, for a second week, been excluded by England head coach Brian Ashton, while Magnus Lund, who was called up this week as cover for injured back rows, also misses out.

Selection snubs and uncertainty can take its toll on players mentally.

Sale head coach Kingsley Jones explained: "It’s a difficult time for a young player like Magnus. He rose quickly into the England team and this time last year he was first-choice openside [flanker].

"It’s a roller coaster ride in sport – it’s part of learning and the first time you get dropped is the hardest. The effect that has on you mentally is a challenge.

"The way he’s responded in the last few weeks has been fantastic. He’s seen he’s not involved [with England] and he’s cracked on and got on with it with Sharks."

Richard Wigglesworth stayed on the bench during England’s shock 26-19 loss to Wales on Saturday, but Jones believes it is only a matter of time before the scrum-half earns his first cap.

"It was difficult for the coaches to put Wiggie on in that scenario," said Jones. "They’d had a lot of injuries and a lot of disruption and changing players then is not a perfect scenario for the coach.

"It will be very hard if he doesn’t get an opportunity this week but it’s a great achievement to be on the bench and I’m sure he’ll get his cap before the end of the tournament."

While Scotland skipper Jason White must reflect on his side’s 27-6 loss against France, his team mate Rory Lamont is having to deal with the additional burden of injury.

The 25-year-old winger, who joined Sharks this season, will miss Scotland’s tie against Wales this weekend.

Lamont was expected back at Sharks’ Carrington training base to complete his rehabilitation from the shoulder and ankle injuries sustained on Sunday.

Only Sharks prop Lionel Faure enjoyed the perfect start to the Six Nations, a winning debut for France against Scotland.

INFECTION: Prop Andrew Sheridan, right

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