FLANKER Martyn Williams has given Wales coach Mike Ruddock a massive boost by declaring himself fit for Saturday's Six Nations clash against England.

If selected he wants to lead his country out against the English as it would be his 50th cap for Wales.

"Three weeks ago when they told me the problem I wouldn't have thought it possible to make it but last Wednesday I woke up and felt a lot better and it's gradually been improving since then."

Williams picked up the neck injury during a gym session three weeks ago but it now looks as if the Cardiff Blues forward will be included in Mike Ruddock's starting line-up which he names tonight.

And if Williams is part of that first 15 then it will be cap number 50.

He said: "I've been counting the caps down over the autumn, and it's just worked out that Saturday will be cap number 50.

"Hopefully, Alfie (Gareth Thomas) will let me lead the team out, but I would swap it all for a Wales win."

Meanwhile, Tom Shanklin has said that Wales will target England new boy Mathew Tait on Saturday.

The eighteen-year-old Newcastle Falcon was a shock selection in Andy Robinson's side.

"We have to put pressure on him early on in the game and will try to unsettle him. we can't let him gain composure," said Shanklin. "We don't know too much about him and hopefully that will still be the case after Saturday."

Meanwhile, Llanelli Scarlets centre Matthew J Watkins has been called into the squad as cover for the injured Sonny Parker.

Parker is suffering from a neck injury and is unlikely to be named in this evening's Wales side, leaving Ruddock with a selection poser at outside centre.