Howley had a fine season for Wasps

Howley, 33, no longer plays for Wales but has said he is keen to go on a third Lions tour.

"As far as I'm concerned everyone is available," said Woodward.

"The Lions is a one-off with a huge amount of history and it's heartening when you see players like Howley saying they want to go on the tour."

Howley has been in fine form for Wasps over the past two years and played a major role as the club completed the double this season, winning the Zurich Premiership and the Heineken Cup.

He has just had an operation on a wrist problem but is hoping to return by November, leaving him plenty of time to impress the Lions selectors.

We will have some world-class players in the squad Lions coach Sir Clive Woodward

Woodward's admission he will consider players who are no longer playing international rugby also leaves the door open for the likes of ex-Wales number eight Scott Quinnell and even former England captain Martin Johnson.

When questioned about the prospect of Howley, Quinnell and Johnson joining the tour, Woodward replied: "I'd love to have two of them in particular with me!"

Johnson, 34, retired from the international scene after leading England to victory in the World Cup in November 2003.

He said at the time: "I knew it was my time to go and I believe my decision is the right one."

Woodward scotched rumours he was planning to take two teams on tour, insisting every player in the 44-man party would be in with a shot at winning Test selection.

"There is no chance of creating two separate teams," said the England boss.

"You couldn't run a Lions party like that because players must know they can make the Test side."

But Woodward admitted that some players who were likely Test starters would be held back at the start of the tour.

"In the first three games everyone will have started, within reason. The exceptions are the standout players who probably won't play until match six," said Woodward.