Geraghty looks set for England call

SHANE GERAGHTY has made an irresistible case to run England’s back division alongside Jonny Wilkinson in the autumn Test matches.

Northampton star Geraghty, currently part of the England Saxons squad, is an obvious replacement for injured British and Irish Lions centre Riki Flutey.

England boss Martin Johnson has yet to announce who will fill vacancies created by shoulder injuries to Flutey and full-back Delon Armitage in the senior squad for November appointments with Australia, Argentina and New Zealand.

But Geraghty, equally adept at fly-half or centre, surely cannot be ignored.

Johnson looked on at Franklin’s Gardens as Geraghty guided the Saints to a memorable Heineken Cup success against twice European champions Munster.

“Martin has got to decide whether to play Shane, and if so, where,” said Northampton rugby director Jim Mallinder.

“I have no hesitation in playing him in either position, at number 10 or 12.

“We have seen Shane play at under-20 level for England and throughout the age groups, and he is a special talent.

“What he did (against Munster) was to back up a number of very good performances for us this season. It was probably his best performance for us. He made a lot of good options in attack, and he can see where space is. He’s a real threat to defenders.”

Added Mallinder: “This result confirms and backs up the belief that we are a good side,” he maintained. “We have been competitive in our league games and that win shows we are a good side up at the top level now.

“A game with Munster gets the juices up. As soon as we got them in the draw, we got excited about it, not just the club but the town, they thought about Munster coming here and I don’t think Munster have let themselves down in adding to the occasion.

“Certainly you wouldn’t write Munster off and if you do, you do so at your peril. I thought their second try was very good, it was a good drive and they took advantage of the short side with the lack of numbers.”