Harlequins scrum-half Danny Care says he has not given playing for England a thought despite his recent displays.

The 21-year-old number nine was the standout player in Sunday's 15-6 triumph at Saracens, which kept Quins in the Guinness Premiership top six.

He pushed Will Skinner close for the award in last week's triumph over Worcester Warriors after impressing the England Saxons win over Italy A last month.

Care has battled back from an early-season injury to start every match for his club since making the line-up for the Heineken Cup clash with Stade Francais in January.

Club boss Dean Richards rates the former England U20 skipper as one of England's top three scrum-halves.

And the former Leeds Tyke believes the run of games at the expense of out-of-form club rival Andy Gomarsall means he is on the heels of Richard Wigglesworth and Paul Hodgson for a place in Brian Ashton's squad.

"There are a few young scrum-halves trying to get ahead of Harry Ellis in the pecking order," Care said "With Harry, Peter Richards and Shaun Perry out injured, there is a big opportunity and it is encouraging to see the younger players getting a go.

"I always back myself and the start of the season was frustrating because it reminds you how much you miss it all.

"I don't think about playing for England - all I am focused on is playing well for Quins."

Richards has given Quins a licence to thrill in recent weeks, and Care is confident there is more to come, starting with the visit of Gloucester on Saturday.

He said: "Our back three is coming on great and I don't think there is a full-back in the country playing better than Mike Brown at the moment.

"We still have Simon Keogh to come in and there is always David Strettle. Imagine what we will be like when he is back."