Nick Easter was one of a number of senior players to lose their place in the England side when Stuart Lancaster took over. But with Lancaster now confirmed as full time coach until 2015 Easter is targeting a return to the International scene.

Easter is targeting high profile games such as this weekend’s Amlin Challenge Cup game against Toulon to stake his claim for a place in Lancaster’s plans ahead of the summer tour of South Africa.

“I’ve been told that the door is not shut and I’m going to do all I can to show why I should be included” said Easter.

Easter’s reputation took a knock following the dismal world cup campaign, being linked to comments that the early exit meant “£35,000 down the toilet”. But Easter refuses to be made a scapegoat, instead aiming to focus on the positives of what he has done for England. “I’m very proud of what I’ve done for England and I certainly don’t want my international career to finish on the note that it did losing to France”.

On current form Easter is surely in contention for a spot in the England squad. He describes this year as “one of my best” and he is not far wrong. He has played a significant part in a campaign that has seen Harlequins sit at the top of the table throughout the season, and become one of the favourites for a European Cup win next season (acccording to the latest heineken cup betting).

Easter attended England’s victory over Ireland and sent Lancaster a congratulatory text reminding him to “not forget the old ones”.

Easter’s director of Rugby at Harlequins, Conor O’Shea was on the four man panel that recommended Lancaster for the job and he feels that any decision on Easter’s return will be made with an open mind by the new head coach.

O’Shea was keen to emphasise the way Easter would fit in well to the new set up and reiterated Easter’s belief that he could offer a lot to the England team in the future.