England head coach Stuart Lancaster has revealed Hampshire star Mike Brown is nearing a return to action, with the Harlequins full-back set to take part in training later this week.

Southampton-born Brown, who experienced concussion symptoms after being carried off on a stretcher during the 47-17 win over Italy last month, has been a big player for Lancaster and his comeback will be a welcome fillip as the squad lick their wounds following Sunday's chastening 19-9 defeat to Ireland.

The 29-year-old former Peter Symonds College student missed the loss in Dublin after a setback in his recovery but Lancaster confirmed Brown now feels raring to go, with England next in RBS 6 Nations action against Calcutta Cup rivals Scotland at Twickenham on March 14.

"He's got to tick the final box tomorrow but he's feeling back to 100 per cent," the former Leeds Carnegie director of rugby said.