Jonny May could make way for Jack Nowell in England's pivotal Six Nations clash in Ireland, while Mike Brown is racing to be fit for the Dublin battle.

England boss Stuart Lancaster is ready to dispense with May's services in favour of Exeter wing Nowell, while full-back Brown remains a doubt through continued concussion symptoms.

Saracens' in-form playmaker Alex Goode remains the front-runner to replace Brown should the 29-year-old fail to beat the concussion he suffered in Saturday's 47-17 victory over Italy.

Exeter's versatile Nowell could be viewed as the ideal man to counter Ireland's tactical acumen in the March 1 showdown.

"We're going to have to see how Mike Brown comes through the return to play protocols, he'll go through that graduated return and he hasn't started that yet," said Lancaster. "He won't take any part in training this week.

"Seven days would give him enough time in the build-up, but that's hypothetical at the moment, because he hasn't started the process, so we'll wait and see. We'll be guided by the medics' advice and opinion and we'd support it."

Fit-again Brad Barritt and Gloucester's Billy Twelvetrees are also pushing Luther Burrell all the way for England's 12 slot for the meeting of the Six Nations' last remaining unbeaten teams.

England have sent 17 players back to their clubs to play Premiership rugby this weekend in a bid to keep fringe stars fresh and boost competition for places.

Courtney Lawes, Geoff Parling and Tom Wood are unlikely to be fit for league action but are still expected to recover in time for the Ireland clash.

Confirming Nowell is back in his selection thoughts after battling long-term knee and shoulder problems, Lancaster claimed May is not automatically jettisoned despite a shaky showing against Italy.

Lancaster did however admit that there was little excuse for Gloucester wing May botching a near walk-in try against the Azzurri last weekend.

"It was simple execution," said Lancaster of May's missed opportunity. "You've got a decision to make: you run at the last defender and he either commits to you and you pass the ball, or he doesn't so you run over the line and score.

"Jack Nowell had his best game of the season for Exeter at weekend where he has been playing 13."

Lancaster denied Jamie Heaslip's injury absence will hand England an edge in the pivotal Ireland clash. The Ireland No.8 could miss the rest of Ireland's quest to defend their Six Nations crown, after suffering three fractured vertebrae in his back during Saturday's 18-11 victory over France.

France lock Pascal Pape is expected to face a hefty ban for the knee to the back that caused Heaslip's injury.

"He's a very intelligent player, very high quality," said Lancaster of Heaslip. "The guys who have worked with him in the Lions - Andy Farrell and Graham Rowntree - regard him highly. I still think it'll be a very competitive Ireland pack."

Jack Nowell's versatility has caught the eye of England head coach Stuart Lancaster © Getty Images

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