Centre George Lowe has warned Matt Hopper he is after his number 13 shirt in the Harlequins midfield.

The 22-year-old has been out of action since injuring his ankle in a Heineken Cup win over Connacht in November and is set to make his return to the squad in next week's LV= Cup clash at Cardiff Blues.

Hopper was called into the England Saxons squad this week having made a big impression in 11 first team appearances since switching to the Stoop in the summer from Championship outfit Cornish Pirates.

It might have been Lowe taking his first steps into the senior international set-up this had he not been sidelined, but the former Epsom College student is philosophical about his absence.

And, having finally put the boredom of rehab behind him, he is ready to reclaim his starting spot and help push Quins to new heights in 2012.

"The last two and a half months have been frustrating but that is life and you have just got to get used to it as a rugby player," he said.

"I was due to play against Leicester this week, but I jarred the ankle again and it has put me back a bit.

"I'm really happy Matt has got the call up because he has played well and deserves it. I just I can work my way back into the side.

"We're going to be competing for that 13 shirt and I'm sure we'll be pushing each other on to improve and be at our best.

"It is always good to have that competition in the squad, but there is no niggle, we all get along and it is only good for the club."

Lowe, who has watched as Quins have topped the Premiership this term and are unbeaten in the LV= Cup thus far.

Friday's Heineken Cup exit at Connacht leaves director of rugby Conor O'Shea's men to defend their Amlin Cup title with a quarter final trip to Toulon in April.

"We would have loved to get the win in Ireland, but we are still in a good position," added Lowe.

"We just have to make sure we keep putting in the performances out on the pitch and hopefully the results will take care of themselves."