Foden lays down England marker

NORTHAMPTON BOSS Jim Mallinder has backed Ben Foden's bid for promotion to senior England duty ahead of the Six Nations Championship.

Foden followed up a stunning display against Bristol last week by delivering another man-of-the-match performance as Saints preserved their unbeaten home record by subduing Premiership neighbours Leicester on Saturday evening.

Former Sale Sharks star Foden started the game at fullback, scoring one of Northampton's three tries in a 17-13 victory.

But he finished it in the scrumhalf role, helping Saints to close out the game after Lee Dickson went off injured.

England manager Martin Johnson is due to name a revised elite player squad at Twickenham on Wednesday.

He can make up to five changes based purely on form from the squad he announced last July, although other openings can be created through injuries, suspension or Test retirements.

Gloucester fullback Olly Morgan is another strong contender to be called up, and 23-year-old Foden's versatility means he could join Johnson's list of scrumhalf options ahead of the Six Nations opener against Italy on February 7th.

Mallinder said "He (Foden) backed up last week's performance.

"It was a fantastic display, and then he has the ability to switch to scrumhalf when Lee Dickson got a little bit of cramp near the end.

"He picks lines really well, he has got pace and he has got strength as well.

"He's got the ability to fend off that first tackler and stay on his feet, and also has a good kicking game.

"I don't know what he (Johnson) is looking at, but I think Ben has got to come into his consideration."

Foden and company saw off Leicester despite outhalf Stephen Myler enduring a goalkicking nightmare.

Myler missed several shots at goal, denying Saints a comprehensive victory.