Cueto played in the third and final Lions Test against New Zealand in 2005

Mark Cueto says it would be a dream for him to be selected in the British & Irish Lions squad for this summer's tour of South Africa.

"Everybody who played in the Six Nations is dreaming of being selected, and I'm no different," the Sale & England winger told BBC Radio Stoke.

"Playing for England is special, but playing for the British (and Irish) Lions means you're at the next level."

Lions coach Ian McGeechan will name the touring party on 21 April.

Cueto, 29, was called up to the Lions tour of New Zealand in 2005 as a late replacement for Iain Balshaw.

He played in the third and final Test in Auckland, which the Lions lost 38-19.

The Lions will go in search of their first series win since 1997 against the world champions, and Cueto believes they could be successful after defeats in Australia and New Zealand.

He added: "I get this feeling that this year could be the year.

"It's always going to be difficult for a Lions tour to go away, to gel and bond so quickly and beat an established international team that have been used to playing with each other.

"The Home Nations have been playing some good rugby. With players in form, I think it could be the Lions' year."

Cueto spent almost 18 months on the sidelines with a back injury, and made his England comeback in the Six Nations tournament, scoring tries in wins over Italy and France.

"From where I was at the start of the season, if you'd said then that I'll play every game for Sale, every game in the Six Nations and be potentially in the mix for the Lions tour, I would have laughed at you," said Cueto, who spent much of his childhood living in Alsager.

"To be in this position is great. There's been a lot of hard work from myself and all of the medical staff at Sale and with England."

Cueto has won 27 caps for England since making his debut in 2004, scoring 14 tries for his country.

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