Number eight Nick Easter may have been named in England’s matchday squad to take on Wales tomorrow, but director of rugby Conor O’Shea reckons he might only be keeping the spot warm for young Jack Clifford.

The 21-year-old former England U20 captain was nominated for the club’s supporters’ player of the month award, having scored two tries in 377 minutes of rugby across five consecutive matches in all competitions. 

Easter completed his comeback to the international scene after a near four-year absence, when head coach Stuart Lancaster handed him a  place on the replacement’s bench for the start of the Six Nations.

The 36-year-old will cover both number eight and second row positions and, while O’Shea is delighted for his man, there is a certain youngster already snapping at his heals.

“I’m delighted for him because a lot of people in his situation might have accepted they were not going to play for England again and retired,” he said.

“But Nick is hungry and durable and that is why we’ve signed him for a couple more seasons.

“He is a competitor and that is what we want and is what Stuart Lancaster wants in the England squad, too.

He added: “It is great Jack has the chance to play alongside Nick because he can  learn from him.

“Jack is an outstanding young prospect for club and country and hopefully he’ll be given time to develop.”

The club’s second string crashed to a 23-21 LV= Cup defeat to Bath at the Stoop on Saturday.

Quins complete their cup campaign at Gloucester on Saturday.