"Fresh" Tom Croft hopeful of Lions 'privilege"

Tom Croft has revealed that he is using his long injury layoff as motivation to try to secure a place in the British and Irish Lions squad for the tour of Australia.

The Leicester Tigers flanker missed eight months of this season after breaking a bone in his neck, but returned to feature in England's Six Nations win over Italy in March.

He has since been continuing his rehabilitation at domestic level and is hopeful that his fresh performances will attract the attention of coach Warren Gatland.

"You should never expect to be picked for the Lions, it is a privilege to be part of the squad," he told Sky Sports News.

"I am feeling really fresh at the moment. Normally at this stage of the season I would be feeling fairly knackered but with the injury I am feeling good.

"It has always been about getting fit enough for the summer tour with England first then anything else is a bonus."

The squad will be announced at 11.00am on Tuesday morning.