Healey's versatility has served England well

Austin Healey has revealed his desire to be considered as a scrum-half by England when he returns from injury.

The versatile back is likely to miss at least the first three matches of the forthcoming Six Nations campaign as he targets a mid-March return from an achilles problem.

With fierce competition on the wing and Jonny Wilkinson installed at fly-half, Healey believes the scrum-half berth offers his best hope of a return to the England team.

"I think for too long I have flitted around in different positions," he told BBC's Rugby Special.

"This is a big year for me and for England, and I want to be involved. To do that I think I have to stay in one position.

"I might not make it but I would like to play scrum-half for England. It is my most natural position and where I was brought up playing."

For England I have got to try to force one position Austin Healey

Healey had to settle for a bit part role in England's autumn internationals, coming on late against New Zealand and Australia before winning his 50th cap as a replacement for Wilkinson at stand-off against South Africa.

With James Simpson-Daniel and Dan Luger back from illness and injury respectively, and Ben Cohen and Phil Christophers also in the current squad, England manager Clive Woodward has plenty of options out wide.

Matt Dawson is currently the incumbent scrum-half, with Andy Gomarsall also vying for the starting position.

Healey has already spoken about a switch with Leicester director of rugby Dean Richards, but insisted he would still play wherever chosen.

"Coming back from injury, I can't choose where I want to play - I will play anywhere for Leicester," he added.

"But for England I have got to just try to force one position."