By Matt Majendie BBC Sport Online

Henry Paul has pledged to force his way into the England team for next year's World Cup in Australia.

The former league star has been capped just once at international level, producing a disappointing performance in the surprise defeat to France in this season's Six Nations Championship.

But the 28-year-old insisted he has every confidence of making Clive Woodward's final squad.

He told BBC Sport Online: "I'm looking forward to the World Cup and making the England team is my major goal for next season.

"I'll have to do that by impressing with Gloucester first of all but I really think I can push the guys currently ahead of me in the England team."

Despite his optimism, the former Kiwi international faces tough opposition from a string of world-class players.

In the latter part of the season, Paul was deployed at full-back with the Cherry and Whites and looks unlikely to push Jason Robinson, another league convert, from his position as England number XV.

But Paul added: "I think full-back for the time being is the right place for me. I have time and space back there to pop up when it suits me and join the attack.

"It's helping me learn more about the game but it does not necessarily mean I can't move elsewhere."

Paul's single England cap came at centre, where he has also played for Gloucester. Fly-half has been his other major position in his debut season in rugby union.

But the 2001/2 campaign has been one plagued with criticism, starting with his display against France.

His season was further marred by a fall-out with former coach Philippe Saint-Andre, who has since been replaced by Nigel Melville, and his removal from Gloucester's starting line-up for failing to make the grade.

Hong Kong highlight

He, though, remains undeterred.

"I've got no problem with how I'm playing," he said. "Things couldn't have worked out better for me and I've been around long enough to know what's needed."

His two season highlights were victory in the Hong Kong Sevens and Gloucester's Zurich Championship triumph over Bristol.

Already, though, he is looking towards next season.

"I feel just as jaded as I did after a season in league but not so physically exhausted," he added. "I'm ready for next season already."