Sale fly-half Charlie Hodgson has warned Jonny Wilkinson and Stephen Jones they face a battle for the British & Irish Lions’ number 10 jersey.
Wilkinson and Jones are currently ahead in Sir Clive Woodward’s pecking order but Hodgson’s man of the match display in Saturday’s 27-3 European Challenge Cup final victory over Pau showed he is a player in form.
"I am feeling confident with the way I am performing. Hopefully I will cause some selection problems for Clive – I certainly will not be travelling to New Zealand to make up the numbers," he said.
"At the moment there is a lot of talk that Jonny and Stephen are first choice fly-halves but I will have something to say about that."
Bryan Redpath believes his Sharks half-back partner can make an impact in New Zealand but stressed the importance of impressing Woodward when he is given his first run-out in a Lions shirt.
"I have learnt from touring that you need to perform in games and that is what Charlie has to do. I have no qualms about Charlie being capable of playing at the highest level," he said.
"But he must play well in that first chance he gets for the Lions and hopes the team also does well. I would love to see him get an opportunity in the Test side so that he can show what he can do."
Andrew Sheridan is another of Sale’s five-strong Lions contingent and Redpath is a keen admirer of the giant front-row forward who has developed into a fearsome prospect.
"Andrew is a phenomenal athlete. His scrummaging, strength and defence mean you can base a game around him. He always wants the ball at ruck time. He has worked hard and deserves his chance with the Lions," he said.
