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Six Nations: Nick Easter hopes to replace injured Ben Morgan

Nick Easter Harlequins Aviva Premiership
Image: Nick Easter: Wants his England place back

Nick Easter is keen on an England recall as he feels he has 'unfinished business' on the international stage.

The Harlequins No 8 has not played for his country since Stuart Lancaster took charge of the team in the wake of their disappointing campaign at the 2011 World Cup.

But with Ben Morgan out of the Six Nations, and possibly facing a fitness race to make the World Cup later this year, because of a broken leg, Easter's name has been mentioned as a potential replacement.

The 36-year-old still believes he has plenty to offer Lancaster, and he told the Daily Telegraph: "My hunger to play for England is as strong as it has ever been, stronger probably.

"I believe that I am a much better player than when I was last capped. I make far better decisions for a start.

"Yes, I want to be back involved. I would love to be. It is a huge driving force for me. But all I can do is state that and then get out there and play as well as I can."

And he has received the backing of club coach Conor O'Shea, who has urged Lancaster to ignore Easter's age and go for experience when he looks to replace Morgan.

O'Shea added: "Of course I will back my players, but in Nick's case, I really do fail to see now with Ben's injury how he can't be considered to be in the top 35 or so in this country.

"He has been playing out of his skin, and against heavyweight opposition as well.

"Stuart's initial concern was that Nick might have tipped over the edge by this point with his age. Well, he certainly hasn't done that. Better and better. He is playing at Test level."

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