Tom Croft has admitted that his inclusion in England's elite playing squad came as a shock.
In the loop
During his absence Leicester reached the Premiership final - losing to Quins - while England toured South Africa in the summer and then recorded an historic win over New Zealand in the autumn internationals.
And having seen him spend so long out, England have opted to take a softly-softly approach with Croft's return.
However they have increased their contact with him as he neared his return to the action.
Croft said: "For the first three, four, five months they left me to my own devices as it was what I needed as my return was so far away.
"However I have spoken to them over the last couple of months and they have kept me in the loop."
Croft made his debut for Leicester in 2005 as a bright-eyed 20-year-old, while his England debut followed three years later.
A stellar start to his international career saw him earn a place on the plane to South Africa with the British and Irish Lions in 2009 - with Croft going on to play in all three Tests, scoring twice in the opener.
There is little doubt that his return to action will certainly be monitored by current Lions chief Warren Gatland ahead of this summer's tour to Australia.
However Croft admits being involved this time around is something he hasn't considered.
"I am not thinking about the Lions," he said. "The Six Nations might not happen for me yet.
"I have got to get myself back playing for Leicester and then England have got a tour in the summer, so that has got to be my aim. I will be working towards that and trying to get my fitness and form back."
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