Burrell heroics serve as inspiration for Saints fly-half Myler

Myler was called up to the Six Nations squad, but was sent back to his club after training with Stuart Lancaster’s party in the build-up to the game against France.

The England Saxons EPS squad member continues to find himself fourth in the pecking order with first-choice Owen Farrell, bench-warmer George Ford and Freddie Burns ahead of him.

But Burrell’s heroics, which saw the Saints centre score twice in his opening two Six Nations games after making his debut in Paris, serve as proof that Myler can still make the cut.

Burrell was sent back to his club on a regular basis during the autumn, not playing a minute of the QBE internationals.

But he has since started all three Six Nations games at outside centre and Myler says the achievements of his club-mate are good to see.

“You never know what’s going to happen in the future and with the form Luther’s been in, he’s earned that opportunity to play,” said the 29-year-old.

“He’s done really well when he’s been given the opportunity and that’s all you want as a player: opportunities. But you’ve got to play well to earn them.”

Despite not getting any game time, Myler, who has one Test cap to his name, did benefit from his time at Pennyhill Park.

And he says he is trying to bring aspects of the game England want to play back to Franklin’s Gardens.

“It was good to be in the environment and understanding how they’re trying to play, which is slightly different to your club environment,” said Myler. “I guess that’s the same for all the players.

“I’m slightly disappointed I’ve not been there for longer, but that’s not for me to worry about now.

“I’m here concentrating on Saints and I’m trying to use that experience I had and the different ideas they had with England with us here.”

Myler, who is the only fly-half in the Aviva Premiership to have started all 15 league games this season, will again strut his stuff for Saints this weekend.

And he is revelling in having a regular starting berth for his club.

“At the end of the day, I’m a rugby player and I want to play as much rugby as possible,” he said.

“I’ve been fortunate this year. I’ve been relatively injury free and getting a lot of rugby, which is beneficial for me as an individual and for the team in that we’ve had that consistency there.

“We’re in a good position at the moment and the games are coming thick and fast. They’re more important the later into the season we go and hopefully the good stuff is going to come.”