Ben Foden has been told he could be close to capturing the full-back position for the England v Barbarians clash.
The Northampton back enjoyed a 30-minute cameo in Martin Johnson's side's 16-20 defeat by Ireland but has since learned that he will be back on the bench for the March 13th 2010 game against Scotland.
This is despite the fact that Delon Armitage, his rival for the number 15 shirt, has been suffering with a rib injury and is in questionable form.
Having spoken out about Johnson's failure to select him in the past, Foden said he was satisfied to be told by coach Brian Smith that he is running Armitage close ahead of the England v Barbarians game on May 30th.
"That is all I needed to hear because it shows they are thinking about me and looking at me," he explained.
One known fan of Foden's ability is France's defence coach Dave Ellis.
He told the Mirror that the 24-year-old has the potential to be as much of an attacking threat for England as former Sale Sharks star Jason Robinson.
By Sam Smith