LEEDS Tykes' former Newport No 8 Alex Popham has been handed a golden chance of winning a Wales World Cup place - but he is not thinking about the prospect.

The uncapped 23-year-old has been handed a starting role by Wales coach Steve Hansen for Saturday's Millennium Stadium clash against a star-studded Barbarians side.

And Hansen made it clear the spot vacated by former captain Scott Quinnell is still up for grabs.

But Popham (pictured) said: "I am just thrilled to be facing so many great players and I am not thinking beyond that.

"It is a big opportunity, but I am going to play the same as I play at Leeds. I'll take Saturday first, then hopefully be involved in the games on tour (to Australia and New Zealand) and as for the World Cup, who knows?"

Hansen said: "We haven't had anyone who has stood up and said I want to be No 8 in the way Scott Quinnell has done. It's an opportunity for Alex in this match and on tour to grow up as a player and see if he can take the next step forward."

Popham, who left Newport after last season to further his international claims, admitted that he thought he was out of the reckoning.

He said the move had made a "massive" difference to his career, but stressed he had nothing against the club.

"It's given me the chance of regular rugby and helped me regain the confidence that comes from that." Popham won't win a cap on Saturday, but he believes his time will come.