Barkley aims to be big Down Under
Olly Barkley is determined to make up for lost time by starring for England on their summer tour of Australia.
The Bath centre, who missed the Six Nations with a dislocated thumb, is widely regarded as the man to bring the spark back to England’s misfiring midfield.
Barkley is back in action now. He helped Bath into the Heineken Cup semi-finals with victory over Leicester and is hungry for the chance to prove it for England against the Wallabies.
“I was desperately disappointed to miss out on the Six Nations, as I think anyone would be, and now I’m desperate to tour Australia,” he said.
England are scheduled to play two Tests against Australia in June and head coach Andy Robinson has already indicated rest and recuperation of his senior players will be the over-riding priority at the selection meetings.
Barkley offers Robinson options at fly-half should Charlie Hodgson be granted a summer off, but particularly at inside centre where Mike Tindall has struggled for England this season.
“I’m still undecided as to where my best position or even preferred position is but as a 10 and a 12 it is up to the coaches to let me know their thoughts and for a decision to be made,” said Barkley.
“I’ve been moved from one position to another quite a lot for whatever reason and, while I’m happy to help the team out wherever I can, it is nice to get a bit of momentum in one position.”
