By Bryn Palmer

Wilkinson (left) and Geraghty (right) have both started the season strongly

In-form Shane Geraghty would be an ideal midfield foil for Jonny Wilkinson in England's team for the autumn Tests, insists Northampton boss Jim Mallinder.

Wilkinson is likely to resume his Test career against Australia on 7 November.

"You would have Wilkinson's ability to control a game and move a team around the field, plus his defence and experience," Mallinder told BBC Sport.

"Combined with Shane's creativity and ability to bring his outside backs into play, it would be a pretty decent mix."

Wilkinson has revived his career in France after his summer move from Newcastle, helping establish Toulon in the top half of the Top 14.

Having been recalled to the England elite squad by manager Martin Johnson in July, the World Cup-winning hero is set for his first Test outing since the last game of the 2008 Six Nations against Ireland.

Geraghty, capped three times, started the season at Saints, who he joined in the summer from London Irish, at inside centre.

606: DEBATE I see it as being a two-horse race now between Wilkinson and Geraghty, with Geraghty probably moving out to 12 and Wilko at 10 bathandlancsfan

But an injury to fly-half Stephen Myler, like Geraghty a member of England's second-string Saxons squad, in their opening Premiership match against Worcester saw Geraghty take over at number 10.

He has thrived in the early weeks of the season, scoring an average of 10 points a game, and Mallinder is already planning on being without the 23-year-old when England play Tests against the Wallabies, Argentina and New Zealand in November.

Injuries to Riki Flutey and Toby Flood have left Wilkinson as the only recognised fit 10 or 12 in the elite England squad.

With Jordan Turner-Hall also out for several months, Leicester's Sam Vesty still unavailable and Myler just returning from injury, Geraghty is the front-runner for promotion from the Saxons to the senior squad.

Mallinder also expects another of his players, Ben Foden, to be required by England during November, with full-back another position up for grabs with Delon Armitage on the casualty list.

If we play to the best of our ability, we are a match for any side, and I think that will still apply in Europe Saints boss Jim Mallinder

"They [Geraghty and Foden] have a natural tendency to take a chance but they are also very sensible rugby players," Mallinder said of his two England hopefuls.

"In recent weeks they have kicked and run at the right time, and that is a sign of a good player."

Their ability to thrive at the highest level will be tested to the full over the next fortnight.

Northampton, fourth in the Premiership, open their Heineken Cup campaign with a home game against two-time champions Munster on Saturday, followed by a visit to French champions Perpignan.

"I think it is the perfect time for us," Mallinder added. "You don't need to talk about motivation. That will come naturally. To play against the best clubs and best players is what you aspire to.

"These games will tell us how far we have come, and if we can cope with the big boys. I am quite confident in our own ability. We are not going to worry too much about the opposition.

"We have always said if we play to the best of our ability, then we are a match for any side, and I think that will still apply in Europe."

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