WARRINGTON forward Ben Westwood pronounced himself ready for the Four Nations after helping deliver a psychological blow to the French ahead of England’s warm-up international in Avignon next Friday.

The 30-year-old second-rower was given a run-out in the newly-formed England Knights’ inaugural fixture against France to gain match-fitness after a knee injury restricted him to just one appearance in the last two months of the Engage Super League season.

Westwood responded with a series of impressive hits during his 60-minute stint as the Knights gained a convincing 38-18 victory at Leigh Sports Village and he is now hoping to line up against the same opposition for the senior side.

“I’ve blown a few cobwebs off and hopefully I’m ready for the tournament,” he said.

“With me only playing 40 minutes in nine weeks, it was something I really needed.

“We’ve got these (the French) again next week and hopefully I’ll get a few more minutes in that game and then I’ll be match-fit and ready to go.

“My knee has held up pretty good. I haven’t felt it since and my body is feeling fine after a good rest.”

England Knights coach Kieron Purtill was delighted with the contribution of the experienced Wolves forward.

“I thought Ben was fantastic,” he said. “He’s been with the top squad all week but he’s been great around the camp.

“It’s a great honour for the guys to play with someone like Ben, who showed by his performance that he is a leader. It was good for him to get some game time under his belt.”

Westwood is almost an England veteran, with 16 caps, but the call-up of Australia-born second-rower Chris Heighington has put pressure on his place in the side.

“There’s quite a few back-rowers but, if I’m picked, I’ll do my best to keep my spot,” he said.

“It’s a big honour playing for your country,” he added.