By Bryn Palmer BBC Sport Online

Matt Dawson has confirmed his availability for England's tour to Argentina next month after receiving the 'all-clear' following a knee scan.

The Northampton scrum-half was ruled out of Sunday's Twickenham date with the Barbarians after club medics advised a scan last Tuesday.

Dawson felt soreness in his knee after playing three games in a week recently, but a visit to a specialist has given the Lion the news he wanted to hear.

"There is a little bit of wear and tear, but who hasn't got that at this time of year?" he told BBC Sport Online.

"They have given me the all-clear and that means I am good for the rest of the season and the tour."

Dawson has already returned to training with Northampton and hopes to play in their Zurich Championship semi-final at Bristol on Saturday.

He maintains he could have played for England against the Baa-Baas, but is now hoping to win selection for the two-match trip to Argentina.

"I am disappointed not to be playing this weekend but I have got to make the most of having a week off and get fit and selected for the tour - that is the goal now."

Extra spice

England manager Clive Woodward is set to name his squad on Tuesday for the two-week trip, which features a match against Argentina 'A' and a Test against the Pumas.

And Dawson believes the added distraction of the England football team's World Cup date with Argentina - two days before the rugby squad leave - will add extra spice to the tour.

"It is not going to be the most demanding tour travel-wise, because we will be based in the one place," he added.

"But it is going to be very intense in Buenos Aires, especially with the big history of England v Argentina matches."

The tour is England's first to Argentina since 1997, when they drew both matches.