A CALCUTTA Cup battle with a difference could be on the cards after Newcastle Falcons full-back Alex Tait was touted as a future Scotland international at the weekend.

Alex’s elder brother, Mathew, boasts 31 England caps, and is hoping to be included in Martin Johnson’s squad for next month’s Six Nations when it is announced tomorrow.

But sources in Scotland claim Alex, who, like Mathew, boasts a Glaswegian grandfather, is ready to commit his international future north of the border.

That sets up the possibility of the Wolsingham-born brothers playing on opposite sides in the Calcutta Cup.

Alex, who has represented England at both Under-18 and Under-20 level, is eligible to play for England, Scotland and Ireland, and he could yet opt for the former if he is named in the England Saxons squad for the international against Ireland on January 31.

But if he is overlooked, there are strong suggestions he could pursue an international career with Scotland, where he would compete with Rory Lamont, Hugo Southwell and Chris Paterson for the full-back berth.

Meanwhile, Falcons are calling for the help of their supporters tomorrow morning as they attempt to ensure their Amlin Challenge Cup home game with Petrarca Padova on Friday, January 22 can go ahead as planned.

Diggers and dumper trucks descended on Kingston Park yesterday to clear snow from the pitch and surrounding areas, but the club have plans in place to ensure wintry conditions do not result in a frozen pitch a week on Friday.

As part of that process, Falcons officials are asking supporters to help move frost covers tomorrow morning.

Head groundsman Mark Hufton said: “The pitch is now clear of snow and under frost covers, but we need a small number of willing hands on Wednesday morning from 9am so we can lift the covers.

“If we can get the covers up, drain the pitch and then put the covers back we should be fine as the field is definitely playable at the moment.

“Any help to lift the covers is appreciated and hopefully the game will go ahead.”

The home game against Petrarca Padova is Newcastle’s last home game in the group stage of the Challenge Cup, with their penultimate fixture taking place in the French town of Albi this Friday.

Two victories guarantee qualification for the quarterfinals, which are on the weekend beginning Friday, April 9.