Charlie Hodgson made two starts for England in the Six Nations © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: Owen Farrell | Charlie Hodgson

Teams: England | Saracens

Fly-half Charlie Hodgson says he is delighted to watch Owen Farrell emerge as a star for England and Saracens.

Hodgson, who had to play understudy to Jonny Wilkinson for many years, is enjoying something of a career revival after helping England in the recent Six Nations tournament. However, the 31-year-old - who will play No. 10 for Sarries in the Heineken Cup quarter-final against Clermont Auvergne on Sunday - insists part of his role is to now allow Farrell to eclipse him for both club and country.

"I was signed by Saracens for two reasons," said Hodgson. "First, to help the club win more trophies, and second to help Owen's development. If he's picking things up from me, then I'm doing my job.

"Of course I'd like to be first choice for England and first-choice kicker for Saracens, but I've been around long enough to know there'll always be competition."

Hodgson, like many followers of the game, has been impressed with Farrell's transition to the international stage and believes the 20-year-old will take comparisons with Wilkinson in his stride.

"People are making similarities between him and Jonny," Hodgson said. "But Owen won't be fazed by this - nothing seems to faze him. He is an exceptional kicker and he wants to physically dominate opponents in defence.

"But he and Jonny are very different in many respects but, having seen a player like Jonny develop into what he did, I'm now seeing the start of another."