Alex Corbisiero was set to face Argentina this weekend but will now link up with the Lions © Getty Images

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England prop Alex Corbisiero has set his sights on earning a place in the British & Irish Lions' side to face Australia after being called up by the elite tourists.

Corbisiero was in line to face Argentina in Salta this weekend but is now on his way to Australia - via four flights - as cover for Ireland prop Cian Healy who suffered an ankle injury in the Lions' 69-17 victory over the Western Force on Wednesday and who also faces a potential suspension having been cited for biting.

The 24-year-old is fit and fresh after a domestic season dogged by injury and told PA Sport that he is not heading Down Under just to make up the numbers. "I am going there to be first choice and to put my hand up," Corbisiero said.

"It's going to be a big challenge and there are so many quality players out there. Just to go out there is amazing, but once I'm out there I want to get in the Test team. I am really excited. I feel very proud to be included and involved in something as prestigious as the Lions."

Lions coach Warren Gatland already has Corbisiero's England team-mate Mako Vunipola and Wales' Gethin Jenkins as loose-head options but his newest recruit is confident he can make an impact and emulate the likes of Ryan Jones in 2005 and Martin Corry in 2001, who both arrived late on tour and ended up in the Lions' Test team.

"It is definitely possible to get in the Test team," Corbisiero said. "I've just got to focus on my first game and to play well in that one and then the next one. I'm just trying to stay calm. I've just got to keep my feet on the ground because there is a big challenge ahead."

Corbisiero regrets not being able to face the Pumas in what is set to be a tough two -Test series but has backed England for a strong showing. "I was really looking forward to the first Test against Argentina," said Corbisiero, whose place in the England starting line-up will be taken by Joe Marler.

"We have put a lot of hard work in and we have got an opportunity to put a statement down - Argentina is a hard place to win so part of me is gutted to miss that but part of me is excited to be out there with the Lions, which is one of the most prestigious things in rugby."