England scrum-half Paul Hodgson has given his full backing to Leicester Tigers rival Ben Youngs, after being replaced by the 20-year-old for Saturday’s Six Nations Calcutta Cup clash with Scotland.

The former Sutton & Epsom RFC youngster misses the trip to Murrayfield having been on the field as a late substitute when boss Martin Johnson’s crashed to a 20-16 defeat against Ireland at Twickenham last month.

Hodgson has been used largely as a replacement in this year’s competition having started two of last year’s autumn internationals, but believes youngs deserves his chance.

“He has had a great season. He is a good player and I think he is a talented guy,” he said.

“Fair play to Ben, he has played well enough to get his opportunity.

“Obviously I’m disappointed because I felt I could do a job this weekend.

“But there are three scrum halves in the England squad and each week they put forward the two they think will do the job.

“The professional part of the game is getting behind the guys that have been selected and do everything you can to help them.”

Hodgson, who’s London Irish side crashed 35-19 to Youngs’ Leicester at the weekend, has endured a stop start international career since making his first start in a memorable 33-10 triumph over the Irish in 2008.

But he has vowed to turn this latest setback in to a positive.

“When I made my first start you think quo are going to bounce on from there. It is so competitive and it has to be because playing for England is the cream of the crop,” he added.

“I’ve had plenty of setbacks in my career but it makes you what you are and makes you more determined to come back.

“I’m ever the optimist. If I get down I’m very quick to turn it into a positive and I’m already thinking about how I can help the cause for the rest of the Six Nations.”

*Paul Hodgson was speaking as he supported the RBS RugbyForce scheme at boyhood rugby club Sutton & Epsom RFC.