Stuart Abbott has pledged to win his place back in the England line-up, starting against Bristol on Friday. The 27-year-old centre, part of England's World Cup-winning squad, was among the surprise omissions from the 30-man squad for the November Tests.
And he told BBC Sport: "I was bitterly disappointed but you can either sulk or buckle down and just try harder.
"Sulking's not my style so I need to work harder, play better for Wasps and prove I'm worth a place in the squad."
Abbott has been named on stand-by by national coach Andy Robinson for the opener against Australia on 12 November and the later matches against New Zealand and Samoa.
And the South African-born Wasps star, who will play for his club at home to Bristol on Friday night, revealed he had been in contact with Robinson since his omission.
"He called me last week - the night before the squad announcement," he revealed. "He said my form had been good but that he'd gone for Olly Barkley because of his extra kicking potential.
"He stressed, though, I wasn't completely out of contention for England and that it hadn't been because of a lack of ability.
"So it's nice to know I'm in his thoughts. I just have to get more into those thoughts!" Abbott has made an impressive return to action this season after a seven-month injury lay-off with a broken leg.
But he said his lack of first-team rugby had been among the reasons for his England omission.
"I think the injury plays a part and the fact Wasps have not been playing all that well so far this season," he added.
The Premiership champions have already lost in the league this season - to current leaders Sale - and are struggling in the Heineken Cup after a defeat and a draw in the 2004 European champions' opening two games.
Despite the rare blip, Abbott fired a warning to Wasps' England and European rivals.
He said: "It's only November and we're traditionally slow starters to the season. We always take a while to get in the groove.
"I don't think they've seen the best of us yet. In fact, we're confident there's a lot still to come."
Despite Abbott's England omission, he tipped Wasps to still make a major impact on the international stage in November.
Team-mate Mark van Gisbergen is tipped to start at full-back for England.
And Abbott said: "He's had a lot of positive press lately and looks like he will start at full-back.
"He is one of those players that always performs in big games. And if he gets a start against Australia, he will show everyone on an even bigger stage what he can do."
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If he gets a start against Australia, he will show everyone on an even bigger stage what he can do