By Paul Fletcher

Sculthorpe (right) is a big admirer of Farrell's talents

Andy Farrell has already shown he can be an asset to England at this year's World Cup, according to former rugby league team-mate Paul Sculthorpe.

Farrell, 32, plays against Wales on Saturday in a game that has been labelled a trial match for the centre.

"He is still pretty new to union and he has been unlucky with injuries since changing code," said Sculthorpe.

"But I think he has proved in the games that he has played that he has the ability to excel in the game."

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606: DEBATE If he (Farrell) can hit form i think he will be a great asset to our midfield hooker_is_the_best

Mike Catt and Mathew Tait are tipped to be on the plane, while Dan Hipkiss, Jamie Noon, Toby Flood, Mike Tindall and Olly Barkley are all in contention along with Farrell for the probable two remaining slots.

But with Farrell fully fit after injury problems, Sculthorpe believes there is still time for the league legend to make his mark in the 15-a-side code.

"It was always going to take him time to settle, but he has got all the skills, is a great athlete and a natural leader," said Sculthorpe, who is promoting his autobiography, Man of Steel.

"He has every facet to his game - running with the ball, a great passer and a great kicker. That will certainly help him in union."

If people had some to see Farrell train, they would not be surprised why he is playing Brian Ashton England coach

The World Cup in France is less than six weeks away and England must name their squad for the tournament by 14 August.

England coach Brian Ashton defended his selection of Farrell, saying he had more than justified his place.

"People haven't been convinced," Ashton said, "because despite the fact I offered an open invitation to all the press to come and see him train, no-one took me up on it having complained for years about lack of access to the England team.

"But if they had come they would not be surprised why he is playing and that's the best answer I can give.

"For one thing he's fully fit - he's had six weeks training back-to-back which he says he hasn't had since 2004 when he played for Wigan rugby league. "That obviously from a confidence point of view is a massive boost for any player.

Physically, he is looking the part. He is looking a great presence England defence coach Mike Ford on Farrell

"There's never any doubt about the skills this guy brings to the game. He's one of the world's most skilful rugby league players which automatically puts him at a very high rugby union level of skill."

Defence coach Mike Ford said Farrell had been made "defensive captain" for Saturday's Test against Wales.

"The leadership he has shown over these last six weeks has prompted the coaches to give him that title - he has just got better and better," Ford said.

"Obviously, his fitness is getting there. Andy is saying he is 95 or 96% there, and come the World Cup, he will be 100%.

"Physically, he is looking the part. He is looking a great presence.

"People might not see the flashing breaks or anything like that, but what he does is he doesn't make mistakes. He runs north/south, he can draw men, he can offload the football and he rarely misses a tackle.

"They might not be stardom things, but over the course of 80 minutes they all build up to a very good performance, and we hope he produces one this weekend."

I'm speaking to Saints chairman Eamonn McManus next week about a new deal Paul Sculthorpe

Sculthorpe, who recently announced his retirement from the international arena, is currently recovering from an Achilles injury sustained in June having, like Farrell, been troubled by injury over the last two years.

"Recovery is between four and six months," said the Saints skipper.

"Whether I'll play again this year I don't know but I'll certainly do everything to get back."

Sculthorpe is out of contract at the end of the season and is set for talks with St Helens - but said he would not rule out a move to union.

"You've got to do what is best for you and your family in the long term," he added.

"I have always been in contract with St Helens and you never say never. I would speak to everybody and sort out what is best.

"I'm speaking to Saints chairman Eamonn McManus next week about a new deal. Next year is a big year for me with my testimonial."