Charlton was one of only two players from outside the elite player squad to feature in the 40-strong party named by Andy Robinson for a two-day training camp at Pennyhill Park on Monday and Tuesday.

Along with Sale winger Mark Cueto, Charlton has been rewarded for his good start to the season by landing the opportunity to impress Robinson ahead of next month's autumn internationals against Canada, South Africa and Australia.

But the Falcons back - who has twice sat on the bench for England A - understands he must hone his skills further if he is to gain greater recognition.

He said: "I've learned from last year and have kept playing my own game, although I know I have to work on aspects such as my kicking, which I'm in the process of doing.

"This season at the Falcons has been a great experience and the win at Newport last Saturday proved that we can win when our backs are against the wall.

"The coaches have really been emphasising mental toughness this season and hopefully that approach will continue to pay off for us.

Charlton is behind Gloucester's Andy Gomarsall and Leicester's Harry Ellis in the scrum-half pecking order but is thrilled to have caught Robinson's eye.

"I went down to train with the squad at Loughborough a couple of weeks ago and at the time Andy Robinson said he was going to reduce that training squad to 40, so I'm very happy to have made it this far,'' he said.

Robinson revealed he is close to finalising his starting line-up for next month's opening Test against Canada after unveiling his training squad.

A raft of uncapped players have been included alongside 19 of England's World Cup heroes and the new head coach believes this blend of youth and experience points to a bright future as he bids to halt a disastrous run of four consecutive defeats.

"We are clearly entering an exciting time with this group of players. There are some new and young faces deserving a place alongside our more established players,'' he said.

"In selecting the squad, injuries have also been a factor but I am close to deciding my starting XV for our first game against Canada and look forward to getting the squad together next week to prepare for next month's internationals.''

New England captain Jonny Wilkinson has been included in the group despite the possibility of missing all three Tests after being ruled out of action for between four to six weeks with a haematoma in his upper arm.

However, the Newcastle star remains optimistic of playing some part.

He said: "I'm hopefully not going to be out very long at all. I am taking it day by day and am really positive about it.''

Robinson has declined to name a skipper but Mike Tindall and Jason Robinson are the favourites to land the leadership duties in Wilkinson's absence.''