British and Irish Lions

Acting Bath coach Michael Foley believes Olly Barkley could provide an answer to England's quest for a midfield cutting edge after the unbeaten European Cup Pool Five leaders defeated resilient Recreation Ground visitors Glasgow 31-26.

Barkley, playing at inside centre, created Michael Stephenson's first-half try after a sublime break and pass, suggesting England boss Andy Robinson could do a lot worse than hand him the number 12 jersey against opening Six Nations opponents Wales on February 4.

"Olly is playing very good rugby around the field, and he could provide England with something interesting at 12," said Foley.

"He holds the inside defence for players on the outside, and someone like Michael Stephenson has got great timing to take advantage of that."

Foley also lavished praise on Wales number eight Gareth Delve, who was instrumental in keeping Bath on the front-foot during an entertaining encounter.

"Gareth is an outstanding young player, and I am a big fan of his," added Foley.

"I envisage him going to the 2007 World Cup with Wales, and if he hasn't played international rugby before then, I will be surprised."

Assistant coach Graham Rowntree says The British & Irish Lions will have to be fully focussed to avoid a potential banana skin when they face The Barbarians a week today.

Three former British & Irish Lions will line-up against an England XV at Twickenham Stadium on Sunday as the Barbarians warm-up for their showdown with the 2013 tourists in Hong Kong next week.