Smith says Hodgson has enough Premiership experience to cope with France (Getty Images)

The scrum-half orchestrated a London Irish victory against Leicester in the 22-13 win on Sunday.

Smith told BBC Radio Berkshire losing Hodgson would hurt London Irish, but he should play against France on Saturday.

He said: "I think Paul has played himself into the England 22. He's courageous and when you go to France you need people who can front up."

Hodgson was called into the England Six Nations squad in January, when team-mate Peter Richards dropped out due to injury.

But he then had to follow suit having damaged his knee in Irish's victory against Leeds.

Smith said he has been in regular contact with England coach Brian Ashton: "We spoke to Brian two or three times last week because we have Paul and Shane Geraghty on the fringes.

He's more experienced than one of the scrum-halves and has more legs than the other Brian Smith

"What Brian's said about Paul is that he's worked with him at an under-21 World Cup and he knows he won't let him down."

Andy Gomarsall has started both of England's Six Nations matches so far and Sale's Richard Wigglesworth is also in contention.

But despite his lack of international experience, Smith is in no doubt that Hodgson is ready.

"He's played over 100 Premiership games and arguably half these games are more intense than half the Six Nations games, so he's not being thrown into anything.

"He's very well matured and a rounded player. He's more experienced than one of the scrum-halves and has more legs than the other one. I think he deserves a chance."