Ospreys v Leeds Carnegie: Hooker Titterrell hoping for Leeds contract

FORMER British and Irish Lions hooker Andy Titterrell wants to commit his immediate future to Leeds Carnegie and believes he can play a pivotal role in their bid for Premiership survival.

The 29-year-old is coming to the end of the three-month contract he signed in November following a lengthy hiatus from the game after Gloucester's decision to release him last summer.

Due to a lack of match fitness and his ineligibility for European competition, he made his belated debut in the LV Anglo-Welsh Cup defeat to Saracens at Headingley Carnegie last Friday.

Along with centre Henry Fa'afili, Titterrell was Leeds's best player and has earned a second successive start for tonight's trip to the Liberty Stadium when the club play a dead rubber in the competition against the Ospreys.

The serious matter of Premiership survival resumes on February 14 against Leicester Tigers, a game Titerrell hopes to be involved in.

"I'm ready for the Premiership, most definitely," said Titterrell, who toured New Zealand with the Lions in 2005.

"I've always believed I can still play at that level and I'm grateful to Neil Back and Andy Key for the opportunity they have given me and the chance to put my hand up.

"I was pleased to get out there against Saracens and come off without an injury. I feel part of the team now.

"Now I'm ready for the Premiership whether as a starter or coming off the bench."

Titterrell is contracted until the end of February, by which time Leeds will have played three crucial Premiership games against Leicester, Sale and Wasps.

Leeds then have the option whether to extend his stay until the end of the season.

"Who knows what the future holds," said Titterrell.

"With the progress that I've made within the team I'd like to stay until the end of the season.

"All I can do is contribute to the squad and bring something different to the table. I wouldn't have joined the club if I didn't think they could stay up.

"They've been unlucky in some games, but with this character, and knowing how to win games like they do, we can slowly claw our way back."

Leeds have made six changes for tonight's game with Leigh Hinton, Scott Barrow, Lee Blackett, Erik Lund, Calum Clark and captain Marco Wentzel all returning.