SARACENS' coach Alan Gaffney believes code- breaker Andy Farrell is certain to start for England in the RBS Six Nations Championship opener against Scotland.

The former Wigan and Great Britain Rugby League star was rested from Sarries' 19-8 win over London Irish yesterday and will resume training with the national squad in Bath today.

Farrell has made only seven first team starts since his injury-plagued move into union two seasons ago.

But Gaffney insisted he "definitely justifies selection" and expects Brian Ashton to hand him the No 12 shirt when the England side is named, with Gloucester's rejuvenated Mike Tindall his likely midfield partner.

And the Australian - who controversially started the season by playing Farrell in the back row - admitted he was startled at the rate of the former Great Britain skipper's progress as an inside centre.

"I'm delighted for Andy Farrell that it looks like he'll start against Scotland," said Gaffney.

"I must admit I didn't think he would progress as quickly as he has done. It's been a delight seeing how far he's come."

Meanwhile, England's World Cup hero Jonny Wilkinson stepped up his latest comeback after a string of injuries with a successful substitute appearance in Newcastle Falcons' defeat at Leicester on Saturday. Tweet