By Simon Austin BBC Sport Online

Leicester fly-half Austin Healey says the Tigers are approaching top form after a poor start to the season.

The Welford Road side were left reeling last month after losing their five-year unbeaten home record to Northampton and suffering two straight league defeats.

But they have bounced back to convincingly beat French side Beziers home and away in the Heineken Cup.

And Healey, 29, says the twin victories herald a return to form for the English and European champions.

I think the defeat to Northampton was exactly what we needed Austin Healey

"I think we are now playing as well as we did at our peak two years ago," he told BBC Sport Online.

"We came out against Beziers in both games and gave really good team performances."

The England back thinks the 25-12 defeat by Midland rivals Northampton proved a turning point.

"In a funny way I think the defeat to Northampton was exactly what we needed," he said.

"For two years we'd been in a comfort zone and winning had come easy.

"This season we hadn't had that edge and hadn't been playing attractive or impressive rugby. The Northampton game forced us to sit back and take notice."

The Tigers are now three points clear in Heineken Cup Pool One and look almost certain to claim a place in the quarter-finals.

And Healey's form, like that of Leicester, has been improving in recent weeks.

But he says there is still some way to go before he hits his peak.

"I need to get back to full fitness and I've still got a long way to go to achieve that," Healey admitted.

"I've been carrying a few injuries this season and it's hard to do that when you've got big games week after week.

"Hopefully I'll reach my best in 10 months time when the World Cup starts."

The versatile Healey has been playing in his preferred position of fly-half for his club this season.

I'm happy to play anywhere for my country Austin Healey

"It seems to suit Leicester for me to play there at the moment," he said.

"But I'm not a dictator and I don't insist on playing in a particular position."

Healey admitted it would be difficult for him to force his way into the England side at fly-half though because of the outstanding form of Jonny Wilkinson.

But he said that should not hamper his chances of adding to his 50 England caps.

"I think Jonny's the best player in his position in the world at the moment," Healey said.

"But I've played out of position for England a lot and am happy to play anywhere for my country."