Official RBS 6 Nations Rugby : Barkley can take centre stage

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Barkley can take centre stage

30 January 2005, 11:40 am

Olly Barkley has been given a vote of confidence as the man to fill England's problem inside-centre position after helping Bath hold on for a 12-9 win at Wasps.

With Newcastles Jamie Noon the latest doubt for the RBS 6 Nations opener against Wales, Barkley is in superb form after moving along the back line from fly-half for his club.

England coach Andy Robinson is running out of midfield options - with Jonny Wilkinson, Mike Tindall and Will Greenwood all injured.

Henry Paul is a doubt after his first-half substitution against Australia, and Mike Catt is out of Robinsons 30-strong squad.

That leaves Barkley as the man to fill the position, according to Bath coach John Connolly who was impressed again as last years England fly-half proved once again he can operate at centre.

Hes matured as a player, said Connolly.

Last year he had so much on his plate. This year hes settled in at 12 very comfortably, and I think hes got a strong chance.

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