Debate has raged about where Farrell should play in the union code

When league star Farrell joined Saracens from Wigan 18 months ago, he was touted as a future England flanker.

But Andrew told BBC Radio Five Live's Sportsweek programme: "Our preference is to see him play as much rugby as we can in the inside centre area."

Andrew added that he was "not 100% convinced at all" that Farrell would be a part of England's World Cup squad.

Interview: RFU director of elite rugby Rob Andrew

Farrell has only just started playing for his club after a torrid time with injuries since his high-profile cross-code switch - which was part financed by the RFU.

The 31-year-old has only been used as a blind-side flanker so far by Saracens this season but has been left out of the squad for Sunday's league clash with Bath.

Andy Robinson is 100% happy with the structure that he has now got RFU director of elite rugby Rob Andrew

"We would like to see Andy play at centre as much as possible so that we could make a better judgement on whether he is actually suited to that position," added Andrew.

"We have a lot of players who can fill the number six shirt for England, there is an enormous depth of talent in that position.

"In the midfield area, there is quite a shortage of players who can fill that role."

Farrell was signed with the intention of seeing him feature for England in next year's World Cup in France but Andrew says judgement should not be made until the new year.

"I am not 100% convinced at all that he will make the World Cup squad," added Andrew. "How can anybody be convinced unless we have seen Andy play?"

"We have to let Sarries develop him and get him into the game as much as they see fit.

"He has had a terrible run of injuries.

Robinson and Andrew talk things through during England training

"He has hardly played any rugby union and clearly he just needs to be allowed to play before anybody can make any sensible judgements."

Andrew took up his all-powerful role at the start of September in the wake of an RFU review of England's coaching set-up following a dismal run of form since the World Cup victory in 2003.

His appointment increased speculation that the role of under-fire head coach Andy Robinson has been diluted.

But Andrew insists Robinson is happy with the new coaching structure and says the head coach has a fresh start going into next month's internationals.

"We start on 5 November against New Zealand with a clean slate," said Andrew. "It is important that we move forward as new management team.

"Andy is 100% happy with the structure that he has now got.

"In many ways he is relieved that somebody else is dealing with lots of stuff that he really didn't want to deal with."