Oxfordshire could have former England Under 21 fly-half Johnny Goodridge in their team for their Tetley's County Shield Pool 3 decider against Dorset & Wilts at Swanage on Saturday.

The former Bicester schoolboy, who has missed much of his season with Gloucester because of a shoulder injury, seems certain to play.

Oxon coach John Brodley, who taught Goodridge at the Cooper School, said: "Gloucester have given us permission to play him, provided he's not require for their Zurich Premiership match against Leicester this week.

"As Johnny's not played one first team game for Gloucester this season, his chances of turning out for us must be pretty good."

Another talented player coming into the squad is Craig Burrows, who plays in the second row for Welsh Division 1 club Rhymney.

Head of PE at Drayton School, Banbury, Burrows would have played in Oxfordshire's first Pool 3 game against Bucks, but for his club commitments.

However, Oxon will be without NEC Harlequins flanker Darryl Griffin, who is having a trial for Wakefield Wildcats rugby league team this Friday.

The winners of Saturday's clash will play either Hampshire or Somerset in the Shield semi-final on May 17.

Meanwhile, Goodridge's Gloucester teammate, James Forrester, the outstanding young flanker, could miss out on this year's Rugby World Cup after being told he needs wrist surgery.

Forrester, who comes from Oxford and attended St Edward's School, is a member of England's preliminary squad for the World Cup, despite not yet having won a full cap.

He is already facing three months out with ligament damage and could be out for longer following this week's operation.

"I'm pretty distraught," he said. "Gloucester's physio told me it could be pretty bad, and obviously I'm very low.

"I still think there is a chance I can be fit for the World Cup, but won't really know until after the operation."