Ashton has what it takes to succeed

The Northampton winger has deservedly won a call-up to Martin Johnson's team for their date in Paris on Saturday and becomes the latest cross-coder to try and make an impact on the international scene.

However, the odds are stacked against him with Jason Robinson the only previous player to have established himself at the highest level.

Ashton has confidence in his ability though and will no doubt take real encouragement from the fact that Robinson – like him – started as a winger on the books of Wigan Warriors.

The parallels do not end there; like the World Cup winner before him, Ashton has a prolific strike rate, with 19 tries in just 25 games, while he boasts a terrific turn of pace.

He is also probably the most likely to succeed since the brilliant Robinson because of the position in which he plays. Other converts who have fallen since have played in the more difficult roles to master. Ex-Wigan greats Henry Paul and Andy Farrell both featured in the England midfield without ever becoming mainstays because of their struggles with the complexities of the position.

Former Bradford Bulls star Lesley Vainikolo did fail to impress in five Test appearances on the wing two years ago but he was thrust into the limelight too quickly after making the switch to Gloucester while, Ashton, still only 22, has had ample time to learn his trade, starting off with Saints in National One.

He broke the competition's try-scoring record that season with 39 in 25 games and, although he struggled to make an impact in his first Premiership season, he has blossomed this time around, his finishing skills coming to the fore, making him the current leading try-scorer with 12.