O'CONNELL CONFIRMS MAN OF STEEL SUPER BUNS RUMOUR

Former Sliders star Jerry O'Connell has confirmed for E! Online that he's soaring ahead for the lead role in the upcoming Superman movie. "Yeah, I'm definitely right in there," O'Connell told the site.

"There is some stiff competition, but I guarantee you I can do more push-ups than all those other guys."

O'Connell has reportedly screen-tested for the role of mild mannered Clark Kent and his Man of Steel alter-ego.

What can't harm his chances of donning the blue underpants is the fact that Superman director Brett Ratner served as O'Connell's senior advisor when he was a freshman at New York University.

"There are guys in front of me that have nominations," O'Connell added. "The only thing I've been nominated for is best attendance for physical education in junior high. Whether it happens or not, I'm in this business for the long haul. I know for a fact that I look good in blue Spandex. If it doesn't happen, Space Ghost is always an option."

O'Connell's recently headlined the bigg box-office laffer Kangaroo Jack. He's also had good supporting roles in Scream 2, Mission To Mars and as the dim quarterback alongside Tom Cruise in Jerry Maguire.

O'Connell also has a recurring TV role as a police detective slash love interest in 'Crossiing Jordan'.

Meanwhile, the New York Post reported that former Felicity star Keri Russell is in the running to play Lois Lane, according to a report on TV Guide Online.