Pearson enjoys 'Dragons' Den'

TOM Pearson will not let missing out on the England squad for the autumn internationals drag him down as he looks to build on a strong start to the season.

- PAUL REES

The flanker, who turned 25 yesterday, was hoping to add to the cap he won against Wales last year in a World Cup warm-up but he missed out with the Curry brothers and Sam Underhill getting the nod.

“I am pleased with the way things have gone for me, but there is always room for improvement,” said Pearson, who is likely to be involved with England A who face Australia A next month. “I would like to have been involved with England and it was disappointing to miss out but I hope to get a shot down the line.

“I have things to work on and some of them overlap with the way Saints play. I was part of the mini camp England had at Twickenham a few weeks ago and I think I missed out narrowly in what is a very competitive position.

“All the flankers who were picked are class and you know as a back rower that if you want to play for England you have to be consistent in your performances in the Premiership and prove to the coaches that you can fit the way they want to play at international level.”