British & Irish Lion Ben Youngs found it difficult to watch England compete from the sidelines last month but insists a challenging next few weeks at club level can put him right back in contention for an international return.
The 24-year-old, who featured for the Lions in two of the three Tests against the Qantas Wallabies last summer, was overlooked for England’s fixtures during February and March.
Danny Care and Lee Dickson were seen as first and second choice for the Red Rose with Youngs turning out for Leicester Tigers in the Premiership.
But with mouth-watering clashes against Northampton Saints and Clermont Auvergne in the coming weeks, Youngs is looking to prove what England head coach Stuart Lancaster was missing.
“I’m involved in some big games over the next few weeks,” said Youngs. “Northampton are in top form and will be desperate to beat us after we beat them in last season’s final and Clermont, statistically, is the toughest fixture in European rugby.
“It’s up to me to put my hand up as I’m in the shop window. It’s the chance to remind people what I can do.
“I want to make it hard not to pick me again and I have no intention of watching another England international on the TV for quite a while.”
