Tom Croft focused on winning back Leicester Tigers spot

Croft returned in Leicester's 21-12 win over Wasps on Saturday

Leicester Tigers flanker Tom Croft insists playing for England again is a long way from his mind following his return to club action after injury.

Croft had not played for three months because of a fractured shoulder before coming on for the final 23 minutes of the 21-12 win over Wasps on Saturday.

"England have kept in touch with my recovery but playing hasn't come into it," Croft told BBC Radio Leicester.

"My objective is to get a starting spot at Leicester and get some form back."

The 25-year-old had been tipped by some to go straight back into the England squad for the crucial Six Nations match against France at Twickenham on Saturday .

It's been hard watching Leicester and England go well in the back row. I was thinking about hanging my boots up!

Tom Croft

But Croft said: "It's great to play for your country but my main priority is playing for Leicester.

"This is the team that has got me to where I am and I need to get back to the game I had before the injury.

"It's good to be back playing for Leicester. It's been a long time in recovery. The last time I played was against South Africa at the end of November so it's is a long time to be injured."

Croft's next competitive action is likely to be in Friday's Premiership game against Sale.

"The strength and conditioning staff have got me back in reasonably good nick," he added.

"Hopefully I will get a bit more time next week and get the lungs back.

"Hopefully I'll have some sort of involvement again on Friday whether it's from the start or from the bench and just keep improving my game in terms of fitness and getting back to playing rugby.

"It's been hard over the last couple of months watching Leicester go well in the back row and watching England go well in the back row as well. I was thinking about hanging my boots up!"