With first-team places at a premium in a Saracens outfit bursting with talent, full-back Ben Ransom admits he needs to grab the chance to excel while rival Alex Goode is away on international duty.

Despite frequently playing second fiddle to England international Goode, Ransom has made three Premiership appearances for Saracens this season, including his first start in a 28-21 victory over Gloucester Rugby in round six.

And the 22-year-old is in line for an extended run in the side with Goode once again involved in Stuart Lancaster’s squad for the autumn internationals.

Although Ransom’s initial focus is on upcoming LV= Cup ties against London rivals Harlequins and a trip to face Ospreys, he is confident of keeping the number 15 jersey when the Premiership campaign resumes.

“It’s an opportunity for myself to play when Alex goes away with England but when he’s here I make sure to learn off him,” said Ransom.

“I’d like to think I’ll be in the Premiership team while he’s away with England and if I put in a couple of good performances in the LV= Cup then I’ll really be putting my hand up.

“I’d love to start challenging him for a starting position when he’s back too – we always have a bit of banter about that in training and he’s a good guy.

“I don’t think I’d need to leave the club to further my ambitions though as it’s good to have competition in certain positions as it brings out the best in both players.

“We’ve got Owen Farrell and Charlie Hodgson vying for the fly-half spot and both David Strettle and Chris Ashton on the wings, so it works here.”

Ransom admits his confidence that Saracens is the right place to aid his development stems from having seen other players brought through the LV= Cup into the first team and beyond.

It is a path the full-back is already following, having been nominated for the LV= Breakthrough Player Award last year but Ransom insists he is not distracted by thoughts of personal glory.

“It’s a good competition for guys like me who haven’t been playing regularly in the Premiership as it is an opportunity to get a couple of games under our belts and show what we can do,” he added.

“I was nominated for the Breakthrough Player Award last season but I’m just looking to play to the best of my ability and if I’m lucky enough to be nominated again then so be it.

“People who have played in the competition like Will Fraser, Jackson Wray and George Kruis have clearly progressed through the LV= Cup and Saracens use it as a stepping stone to bigger things.

“That’s how I view it really – if I can play well in the LV= Cup then that will stand me in good stead.”

  • Round 1 of the LV= Cup starts this weekend. For more information, visit lv.com/rugby or follow @LVRugby