Bristol Rugby fly-half Ed Barnes has been given a late birthday present after winning his first- ever England Saxons call-up for the clash with Portugal at Edgeley Park a week tomorrow.

Barnes, who was 27 eight days ago, is only in his second full Guinness Premiership campaign after previously plying his trade in National Division One with Plymouth and Bedford.

But he has cemented his place in Bristol Rugby's struggling Premiership side, playing both fly-half and inside centre this term, and kept last summer's major signing Adrian Jarvis among the replacements.

Barnes said: "It's great news. Every player wants to test themselves at the highest level and represent their country, so it'll be great to pull on the Saxons shirt.

"I've been aware of the interest for a couple of weeks now but have tried to put it to the back of my mind and focus on playing well for Bristol.

"This is only my second season in the Premiership and I am loving every minute.

"We've got Montpellier on Sunday so all my thoughts are on that for the moment, but I'm looking forward to meeting up with the Saxons squad on Sunday night."

Barnes faces competition for the No 10 shirt with Saracens' Alex Goode, who was an England Under-20 last season.

But the Bristol No 10 is first concentrating on facing Montpellier in Sunday's European Challenge Cup clash at the Memorial Stadium (3pm).

He added: "It was a great win for us down at Toulon. It is going to help the team and another win at the weekend will further help the confidence."

England Saxons – Forwards: N Catt (Bath), D Cole, J Crane (Leicester), P Dowson (Newcastle), T Mercey (Saracens), K Myall (Leeds), A Saull (Saracens), G Skivington (Wasps), J Ward, R Webber (both Wasps), D Wilson (Newcastle), B Woods (Leicester). Backs: N Abendanon (Bath), E Barnes (Bristol), N Cato (Saracens), A Goode (Saracens), A Powell (Saracens), H Ellis (Leicester), J Simpson (Wasps), M Smith (Leicester), D Waldouck (Wasps).