Gatland has his eye on Everitt

Ireland coach Warren Gatland watched London Irish fly half Barry Everitt wreck Dan Luger?s return to Harlequins ? and then suggested he may earn a chance to spoil the England wing?s possible international comeback in Dublin, too.

The Stoop was packed close to capacity for Luger?s homecoming on Saturday, but he was denied any opportunity to mark the occasion amid a disjointed Quins performance and the underdogs deservedly won 32-21.

Everitt ran the show for the Exiles with his flawless kicking and astute prompting as the visitors showed real menace behind the scrum. Gatland, a spectator in a hurry with a squad to fine tune and a delayed Six Nations campaign fast approaching, was suitably impressed by the efforts of the 25-year-old.

Everitt has just one Ireland A cap to his name to date, but any more displays of this calibre may push him into Gatland?s plans ahead of the potential championship decider against England at Lansdowne Road on October 20.

Gatland said: ?Everitt was outstanding. His kicking was good off both feet, he moved the ball well and got some nice width on the game. I was very impressed with the way he played.?

Everitt sought to play down his own contribution, although there was no disguising his ambition to earn international recognition. He said: ?I am 25 and I want to play international rugby. It is something that really drives me on.?

London Irish were inspired by Everitt?s 22-point haul ? on target with all five penalties at goal, two conversions and a late drop goal ? and driven on by the returning former Springbok Brendan Venter at inside centre.