Saracens boss Mark McCall hailed fly-half Charlie Hodgson's kicking as "outstanding" after the reigning champions beat Northampton 18-12 to close on Aviva Premiership leaders Harlequins.

Saracens now trail Quins by four points thanks to six penalties from six attempts from England stand-off Hodgson, who will hope to reclaim a place in the starting side for next weekend's Six Nations clash with France in Paris.

Hodgson is vying for a place with club team-mate Owen Farrell - who started last week's loss to Wales - and Leicester playmaker Toby Flood.

"Charlie was outstanding. His place-kicking was exemplary and his game-management tremendous, particularly when we came under pressure in the first-half," McCall said.

"All Charlie can do in terms of England selection is what he did, perform to a high standard. He has got himself back in contention for the England squad and England now have a decision to make with both Charlie and Toby Flood fit again and available.

"I am really chuffed for the club because we are still in second place in the table and now we go to Abu Dhabi for a short break and to freshen up."

McCall admitted that neither side benefited from atrocious conditions that left water on the Vicarage Road pitch and made handling difficult for both teams.

"When we woke up and opened the curtains we knew we were in for a difficult day," he added. "Odds are that both teams trained in spring-like conditions during the week, so it was always going to be difficult out there."

McCall also paid tribute to former Ireland and Munster scrum-half Peter Stringer at the end of his three-month loan spell.

"If Carlsberg did loan signings, Peter Stringer would be the perfect example." he said. "Peter has been a huge success during his time with us, a great guy and a terrific player. We say goodbye to him with a heavy heart.

"But Peter is 34 and needs to be playing rugby regularly. That's why he's off to Newcastle and he goes with our best wishes." Northampton director of rugby Jim Mallinder left Vicarage Road disappointed, but glad not to return home empty handed after Ryan Lamb's late kick snatched a losing bonus point.

"Charlie Hodgson kicked everything that came his way, Stephen Myler was less accurate on the day, but we did take home a losing bonus point," Mallinder said. "We got forward dominance early on but then Saracens came back strongly. They are a quality squad and you expect nothing less there.

"It is interesting to see how players react when they return from time with the England squad and we are still in the top four and looking forward to playing in the LV=Cup semi-final next weekend.

"I believe it is important to keep playing rugby, so I'm glad we don't have a break coming up. I am also very glad to see Tom Wood back in a Northampton jersey. He's been out since January 6 so it is important we are careful with him as he gets back in the swing."