BOLTON snooker ace Craig Steadman has been selected to captain the England team in the Home Internationals for the second consecutive year.

The 25-year-old, who plays at Cuemasters in Walkden, is one of only two players retained in the squad that won the event for the first time in a number of years last autumn.

He is part of an eight-man squad for the event, which sees just six players selected each day to compete from September 7-15.

"It's always an honour to captain your country and it's great to be doing it for a second time," said Steadman. "We won it last year for the first time in a few years and we want to win it again.

"The squad is different this time around. It is much younger, but I know the lads and think they are capable of being successful."

Steadman is hoping it is the start of a season that culminates in him breaking into the pro game. He has had an agonising couple of years after failing to make the cut by one place in both 2005 and 2006. Last year, he lost out on achieving his dream by just one frame on a countback.

"On paper, I am the next in line to become pro," said Steadman. "I think my game has stayed solid for a couple of years now, but I am getting more experience and becoming calmer in certain situations.

"It's only early days but I am already in a qualifying spot on the Pontins Tour to become a pro, and I just have to keep winning and see where it takes me.

"I am playing as many pros as I can in practice before the big games and tournaments, and I am hoping that will take my game that extra step and help me to qualify for the pro tour."