Chris Ashton has got the X-factor - Maurice Lindsay

Ashton's swallow-dive celebration has become a regular occurrence in international rugby

The rugby league chairman who let Chris Ashton switch codes says he knew the Northampton winger would be a success.

Maurice Lindsay was in charge of Wigan rugby league club at the time and is now the Preston North End chairman.

"We had to let him go and in my heart I knew he would be a good [union] player," he told BBC Radio Northampton.

"I love flair in all sports - Ian Botham, Shane Warne, they have that X-factor that you can't put your finger on - Chris has got that."

Lindsay added: "I'm delighted for him as he's proving to be a big hero."

He's not arrogant, he's chirpy and loves life and he's witty but don't have him down as a showboater. But every time he does that [swallow-dive] I just cringe

Maurice Lindsay

Ashton was given an early release from his Wigan rugby league contract in August 2007, freeing him to complete his cross-code move to rugby union side Northampton.

"When he came through our Junior ranks at the age of 17 it was clear he was going to be pretty dynamic," said Lindsay.

"He had a large strong frame and the running ability of a top-class sprinter.

"Every time he got the ball the crowd knew there was something very special there."

Ashton, 23, went over four times in the 59-13 defeat of Italy to become the first Englishman to achieve the feat in a Five or Six Nations match since 1914.

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Jeremy Guscott's Six Nations Q&A
">In the interest of sportsmanship I do believe he should stop the arm raising and finger pointing

Jeremy Guscott

But Lindsay would not describe Ashton as world-class just yet: "Having seen people like Va'aiga Tuigamala from the All Blacks and a few more I'd hesitate before we put that pressure on him.

"If he gets that tag too early you get what they call the 'tall poppy' syndrome and everyone wants to chop you down.

"I'd say he's nearly there but give him another year before he becomes the next Rory Underwood."

Two of Ashton's tries featured his infamous celebratory swallow-dive over the touch line, something Lindsay hopes he cuts out of his game.

Lindsay let Ashton to join Northampton when he was Wigan chairman

"Chris, for all his bit of showboating, is a very grounded, sensible lad. He's not arrogant, he's chirpy and loves life and he's witty but don't have him down as a showboater.

"But every time he does that I just cringe.

"I was team manager of the Great Britain Rugby League side.

"Martin Offiah sprinted away, the defence had stopped chasing him, he was at the try line, he had the ball in one hand, it hit his knee and rolled to the floor.

"Martin has never forgotten it and if Chris does it I'm afraid it will be shown for the rest of his life.

"There's lots of time to celebrate with the fans but before the try line I'm nervous for him in case he drops a clanger."