EORL CRABTREE is hoping he can get the disappointment of Friday night out of his system by earning an England call-up this week.

The 26-year-old prop was part of the Giants side who suffered a 16-6 home play-off defeat at the hands of Catalans Dragons to end a magnificent 2009 campaign on a negative note.

That reverse was in contrast to earlier in the year as the Giants finished a club-record third in Super League and reached the Challenge Cup final at Wembley.

And Crabtree, pictured, is now hoping his season can take another positive step with selection in the initial England squad for this Autumn’s Four Nations series.

“As yet, I’ve not heard anything, but I hope to over the next few days,” said Crabtree, who was watched in the Dragons game by England coach Tony Smith.

“After the way I played for England against France earlier in the year (in the one-off Test in Paris in June), I would be very disappointed if I didn’t make it.

“And I also think my form over the season has warranted inclusion.

“I now feel my game is far more consistent than it used to be.

“I also think I offer something a little bit different than the other props around, but it’s obviously Tony Smith’s call.

“But I’d also like to get the nod to try and get the events of last Friday against Catalans out of my system.

“We were all gutted with the way things went. After the season we’ve had, that display was the last thing we wanted. It took some of the gloss off the season.”

Yet even though Crabtree’s – and the other Giants’ – last memory of the Super League XIV was a poor one, the powerful front rower is still proud of what he and the team achieved in 2009.

“We went into the season looking to reach the play-offs, but I don’t think any of us really imagined we’d finish third,” he added.

“But that position was thoroughly deserved, as was our Challenge Cup appearance at Wembley.

“Unfortunately, just like the play-offs, that also ended in disappointment.

“But there’s still no doubt this has been our best season by miles, and if I can play for England, it would be the icing on the cake.”