The trio were integral to Harlequins overcoming Heineken Cup Pool rivals Stade Français both home and away over recent weeks with many expecting the youngster to subsequently earn the call this time around.

"I was very shocked and annoyed when I wasn't in any of the (earlier) squads," he said.

"All I've been aiming for this season is to get back into the set-up and to be recognised internationally as well as at Premiership level.

"When teams perform well they tend to pick its individuals. You only have to look at Leicester and Wasps over the last few years to see that."

Robshaw was in agreement that having captain Skinner and the experience of Easter at the base has been a catalyst of their early-season form and refuses to rule out hopes of playing in an all-Harlequins England back-row in the near future.

"We are a balanced unit and complement each other well," he added. "Hopefully, playing all three of us would benefit England and if it happened we'd be delighted, but we won't be holding our breath.

"Quins had three players involved in the autumn internationals and they were among the stand out players. To get a few more up there would show how far we have come as a club since relegation.

"Winning four out of four games in Europe compared to none last year is a great achievement. A quarter-final spot and a Premiership top four finish would be a successful season.

"We don't just want to be a team that plays good rugby and wins a couple of games. I'd like to think that we will become a major force in Europe and start winning silverware.

"My main aim as an individual is to start winning things and that is the same for a lot of the younger players here.

"We are not going to take our foot off the gas until we start achieving what we want to as players."