Winning try sees Ashton make his case for England inclusion

England coaches Brian Smith and John Wells were both at Franklin's Gardens on Saturday to witness Ashton take his try-scoring tally to an eye-catching 15 from 16 games this season.

England's wing options are plentiful with Ugo Monye, Mark Cueto, David Strettle and Matt Banahan plus the versatile Mathew Tait already part of the set-up.

But Saints boss Jim Mallinder believes Smith and Wells could not have failed to be impressed by Ashton's strike rate and his nose for an opportunity.

"Chris is a natural finisher whose game is improving at this level with every outing. He got one chance and scored in front of the England coaches," said Mallinder.

"It was always going to be a tight game and a tough one so I am very pleased to come away with four points."

The Saints had led early in the second half after two penalties from Stephen Myler and a try by flanker Phil Dowson before Irish surged two scores clear following an interception try from Peter Hewat.

But Myler's penalties kept Saints in touch before Ashton appeared on Shane Geraghty's shoulder to turn the game on its head.

Northampton's 24-22 win moved them above the Exiles and into second place.

Worcester boss Mike Ruddock was left to reflect on a "heartbreaking" finale after Gloucester salvaged a dramatic Guinness Premiership draw at Kingsholm.

Lock Dave Attwood touched down with just 16 seconds left, although Gloucester would have won it had his fellow substitute Carlos Spencer converted with the game's last kick from the touchline.

A 13-13 scoreline means Worcester have now drawn four of their last five league games, and Bath's victory over bottom club Leeds saw the Warriors slip to 11th place.

"It was heartbreaking to concede a try in the last minute," said Ruddock.

"But in terms of the league, it is about picking up points as often as you can. We are a very hard team to beat, and we have got to keep on doing that – performing to a high level."