NOBODY at Sale Sharks is relishing the challenge that fellow Premiership high-fliers London Irish will pose at Heywood Road on Saturday (kick-off 2.05pm) than Mel Deane.

The former Ireland A international seems certain to be recalled following the injury to Dan Harris, and he will find himself facing South African Brendan Venter, the London Irish player coach.

"Venter is a fabulous centre, he said. "He is strong, passes well and has done a marvellous job with London Irish. I last played against him when I was at Richmond, and I am looking forward to tangling with him again, given the opportunity.

"Our clubs were written off before the season began, but this is the halfway point and we are both in the top four.

"This will be a really tough game because Irish are playing some great ruby and it will be very different from our last meeting at Heywood Road when Jason Robinson ran riot.

"He was as devastating that night as Jonah Lomu was against England in the World Cup in South Africa a few years ago - but in a different way.

"Jason can tear defences apart but it is quite a job supporting him, because you don't know where he is going next. Mind you, he doesn't either!"

Deane enjoys playing against London Irish because he feels there is a better chance that the Irish selectors will monitor the game.

I still have a burning ambition to play for my country," he said.

Sale have yet to announce their side to play London Irish, but there are likely to be few changes from the team that beat Harlequins at the Stoop last week, although skipper Bryan Redpath hopes to be back on duty.

The Scottish International is back in full training following a hernia operation.p