Hill has been out of action since October last year

The England flanker, out of action since October, played 40 minutes in a Zurich A League game at Gloucester.

"Richard went very well in a high-impact match and was straight back into training the next morning," said Saracens coach Steve Diamond.

"We want to ease him back but he will be match-fit before the Lions leave."

Hill could return to the Saracens first-team squad for Sunday's Premiership fixture at Wasps, 24 hours before Sir Clive Woodward announces his Lions party.

The 31-year-old missed the autumn internationals and the Six Nations, but Woodward is bound to select a proven world-class performer.

As things stand, I imagine he would certainly be available for selection Lions fitness coach Dave Reddin

Monday was Hill's first competitive outing since suffering a serious knee injury against London Irish.

He had surgery to reconstruct his anterior cruciate ligament and was told he would be out for between six and nine months, but has returned in six.

"Six weeks ago, (Monday's) game was a real long shot," Hill told the Saracens website.

"But as things have progressed, we started thinking about possibly playing 10 minutes of game time, and then 20, and by the time the game kicked off, it had extended to a half.

"To be honest, the fitness was there and I could have gone on for longer if needed, but it was very much a case of being cautious and just about me getting back playing again.

Hill was imense on the last Lions tour in Australia From dragonking7 Have your say on Scrum V

"The next step for me is waiting to see is there is any reaction after the game, and that is not just a case of in the knee, but my body in general."

Hill spent part of his rehabilitation in America with eminent knee specialist Bill Knowles, who works with the United States ski team.

"Six months is an excellent comeback time from such an injury," added Lions fitness coach Dave Reddin, who watched Hill's comeback.

"He shaped up very well and all being well, it is a great step towards being fit for the summer.

"We are not completely out of the woods yet but as things stand, I imagine he would certainly be available for selection."