GARETH Lloyd is ready to sacrifice his international ambitions in favour of a future with York Wasps.

York Acorn ace Lloyd is in contention for a place in the Great Britain amateur team which will take part in this year's Emerging Nations World Cup.

But the 24-year-old may pass up the opportunity if he is offered a professional contract with the Wasps for next season.

Lloyd was handed a starting shirt for the first time in Monday's morale-boosting 33-10 win at Batley after making his debut from the bench against Rochdale on Friday.

He is currently on amateur forms but is hoping that will change next year.

Speaking to the Evening Press, he said: "I am up for the Emerging Nations World Cup squad, that is why I have signed amateur forms, but I would rather play here (at York Wasps) because it's my home town team.

"York is my number one priority. I was born in Hull but I've grown up in York. It's the only team I want to play for and I hope I can get something sorted out for next season."

Lloyd has been training with the Wasps since the end of Acorn's National Conference League season. He was finally handed his debut on Friday and gave an encouraging display on the wing.

He admitted on a couple of occasions he made mistakes but said: "In a new team it's hard to read what the other players are going to do. But I thought I went well and hopefully I've given him (coach Garry Atkins) something to think about.

"I'm a centre but Andy Lambert and Simon Irving are quality centres so I'm happy to play on the wing and learn from them."

Lloyd had a stint at Doncaster Dragons last season but revealed that his relationship with their coach St Jonh Ellis - they are cousins - made his stay at Belle Vue difficult.

He originally joined Doncaster during the short-lived reign of Carl Sanderson but then St John Ellis took over. "Because we're cousins it was too hard for me to prove myself to St John," said Lloyd.

"I had a few games there but then I decided I needed a break because I'd been playing back to back rugby so I went on holiday and probably missed out on a contract.

"It was a good thing because I never really wanted to be there. I only went for the experience."

Lloyd has joined the Wasps at a difficult time with a winding-up order hanging over the club. But he insisted the players tried not to worry about off-field problems and are remaining optimistic.

However, it it doesn't work out with the Wasps, Lloyd will be aiming to keep his place in the Yorkshire County amateur squad and take part in a selection tournament for the BARLA Great Britain team in August.