Ben Foden will have little time to dwell on his England disappointment after being called up for Northampton's LV= Cup opener against the Ospreys on Thursday night.

Full-back Foden, despite starring in Saints colours this season, failed to make the England 22 on duty in Saturday's opening autumn Test appointment with Australia at Twickenham.

He will head to Swansea instead, lining up in a Northampton side that contains several Guinness Premiership regulars.

The presence of Foden, wing Chris Ashton, fly-half Stephen Myler and flanker Scott Gray underlines that Northampton have no intention of taking the Anglo-Welsh competition anything other than seriously.

"Inevitably, with such a quick turnaround after a very physical game against Leicester last Saturday some players have needed a rest," said Saints rugby director Jim Mallinder.

"But that in turn presents opportunities for other players to shine.

"Last season, the Anglo-Welsh Cup proved to be a springboard for several players, such as Courtney Lawes and Stephen Myler, who went on to be regulars in the Premiership and in Europe."

The Ospreys are without 12 players on Wales duty, but they will be led by experienced international Ian Gough, who has the likes of fellow Test players Jerry Collins, Sonny Parker and Filo Tiatia alongside him.

"We've got a proud history in the Anglo-Welsh tournament as previous winners and twice finalists," said Ospreys head coach Sean Holley.

"This year, with it being played during the autumn internationals and with us carrying a few injuries, it really is an exciting chance for us to see some of the younger players.

"We've had a good couple of weeks working with them, and people will be able to see what we've got on Thursday night.

"We have taken a slightly different view to the competition this year, with the timing of it and the extra (autumn) international, but it is a real chance for some of the youngsters.

"I am not sure there are that many squads who could cope with so many unavailabilities, but it is a real plus that we have those youngsters coming through."

Holley expects Northampton, currently fifth in the Premiership, to pose a strong test.

"Northampton are playing some good stuff. They've been a real threat in the Premiership this year, and are giving it a real go in the Heineken Cup," he added.

"We are expecting a difficult game, a fast game, which should be entertaining for the supporters."