Bath and England winger Matt Banahan says he is hoping to increase his chances of getting selected for his country by also playing at centre.

The 23-year-old is part of England's Elite Performance squad and has also slimmed down in a bid to make himself more versatile.

Banahan told BBC Points West: "If they want to put me on the bench they're not going to put an out-and-out winger on.

"They're going to put a wing or a number 13 there."

He added: "I've lost six or seven kilograms which is quite a lot for a rugby player."

I don't want to be that route one player that everyone knows what they are going to do Matt Banahan

Banahan, who stands 6ft 7in tall, started his career at London Irish as a back five forward, before converting to a winger when he joined Bath.

"I've got stronger, leaner and faster at the same time which I've wanted for a long time as it also gives me the opportunity to play in the centres and get round the park more easily," he added.

"I don't want to be that route one player that everyone knows what they are going to do.

"I want to be able to get in space and create space.

"With me being able to play number 13, I'm hoping to add that string to my bow."

Banahan made his England debut against Argentina in 2009

Bath take on Leeds on Sunday in their opening Premiership game of the 2010/11 campaign and Banahan is bullish about their prospects of getting off to a winning start.

"They [Leeds] have been talking in the papers about how they're thriving upfront and that's where the battle's going to be won but we know our forwards are strong and mobile," he said.

"So I think we'll win it upfront and the backs will have to be accurate and decisive and when we get those line breaks we need to get points on the board.

"Whatever cards we're dealt with, we'll play with and go up there for a win and a good win at it."

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