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Geraghty can re-ignite England ambitions – Danaher

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Utility-back Shane Geraghty can rekindle the buzz surrounding his potential in an England shirt this season by storming the Premiership with London Irish – according to club captain Declan Danaher.

Utility-back Shane Geraghty can rekindle the buzz surrounding his potential in an England shirt this season by storming the Premiership with London Irish – according to club captain Declan Danaher.

Neither Toby Flood nor Owen Farrell managed to claim the fly-half berth completely for themselves last season as Farrell’s tenure during the RBS 6 Nations was interrupted by Flood’s resurgence on tour in South Africa in June.

Geraghty, 26, won his first cap against France in 2007 but has seen his international career stall through injury and by playing for Brive last season, effectively ruling himself out of the running for selection by head coach Stuart Lancaster.

But new Exiles captain Danaher insists he still has the creative spark to turn Lancaster’s head with what he offers with ball in hand from fly-half or centre.

“It’s great for him to have a second opportunity here and to prove himself,” said Danaher.

“Let’s not forget that at one point he burst onto the scene and was setting up tries for England. He was the next great white hope and it’s great to have him back.

“Obviously there are times to kick, but when it’s on we are going to have a go and it’s important you have got guys like Shane who can spot a gap and go for it.

“It’s natural for guys like that, it happens. They don’t need to think about it.

“He has played well during pre-season. He’s got the chips and the kicks and can play some tidy football.”