England fly-half Olly Barkley has highlighted the qualities that secured

o of his compatriots places in the British & Irish Lions squad.

Iain Balshaw and Jason Robinson may well contest the full-back position

in the Test series against New Zealand, though both could face

competition from Wales' Gareth Thomas and Ireland's Geordan Murphy.

And Barkley believes the different skills of his England team-mates offer

coach Sir Clive Woodward plenty of options.

"Jason is much more of a freak," Bath star Barkley said.

"Jason is able to do things other players simply can't do. He is an out-

and-out attacker, but Balsh is an out-and-out full-back.

"Jason is a 30-metre man, whereas Balsh can sustain his pace and

maintain his line for 10 yards longer."

Barkley added of the Leeds captain: "He is very vocal from the back - he

offers good suggestions and ideas."