By Phil Harlow At the RBS Six Nations launch, London

Paul has been a pivotal figure for the England sevens side

England coach Sir Clive Woodward has given Gloucester centre Henry Paul hope of reviving his international career.

Paul was named in England's training squad for the Six Nations last month, two years after his winning sole cap against France.

The former rugby league player's inexperience was exposed in that Test, but Paul has since recovered with excellent displays for Gloucester.

"I've been delighted with Henry - he's back on merit," said Woodward.

He has clearly found his best position at number 12 England coach Sir Clive Woodward

He added: "One of this team's strengths is that we're brutally honest - if someone's not good enough they're out; if they are good enough, they're in.

"Henry took the disappointments well - he kept his head down and got on with it.

"He has clearly found his best position at number 12 and that's the position he can really play in union at this level.

"But it's a very competitive position with Will Greenwood, who we know is world class, and Stuart Abbott who is very high in our ranking orders."

Paul, who arrived in union in 2001 after a successful career in rugby league with Bradford and Wigan, believed his international chance had passed him by after his spell on the sidelines.

"I must admit that with the long list of talented youngsters England have got, I thought I may have missed my chance," said Paul.

The 29-year-old has emerged as a reliable front line goalkicker with 97 points to his name in this season's Heineken Cup.

England's casualty list

And injuries to England's midfield - including Abbott, Mike Tindall and Mike Catt - have raised the prospect of an international return for Paul.

"I'm delighted with the call-up, but it's got to be business as usual with Gloucester," said Paul.

"It just makes you want to play even better, and I've got to keep playing the way I have been and hope that I cause Sir Clive a few selection headaches."

England kick off their Six Nations campaign against Italy on 15 February.