Courtney Lawes 'a special player', says Graham Rowntree

England coach Graham Rowntree is relishing the return of lock Courtney Lawes in Saturday's Six Nations clash with Scotland.

The Calcutta Cup takes place at Twickenham with Stuart Lancaster's side desperate to shrug off the disappointing 19-9 defeat in Ireland two weeks ago and reignite their chances of clinching this year's championship.

Their chances could be enhanced by the inclusion of towering Northampton second row Lawes, 26, who was forced to sit out England's opening three fixtures because of an ankle injury but is pushing for a recall along with Leicester counterpart Geoff Parling.

Forwards coach Rowntree said: "Courtney is a special player. He's really maturing as a player and as a person. You can't hide what he can bring to us physically," said Rowntree ahead of Wednesday afternoon's team announcement.

"I've watched his last two games for Northampton and he's played well. He's played exceptionally well for us over the last year and he's back to his best.

"Courtney is capable of the grunt work and that area of his game has significantly improved.

"We all know what he can do carrying-wise, athletically in defence and at line-out time, but I'm not worried about his lack of work-rate or having to balance him up.

He's played exceptionally well for us over the last year and he's back to his best.

"Geoff brings very good lineout leadership, but in the last couple of years he has added a real carrying dimension to his game.

"He's very explosive, very wily - a very clever footballer. He's great to have around the group and has great leadership qualities. He's a Lion who brings a lot of experience."

On criticism levelled at England captain Chris Robshaw in the wake of defeat in Dublin, Rowntree added: "I've been happy with Chris during this last six months. He did well in the autumn and was outstanding against Wales.

"He played well against Italy but did not have his best game in Ireland against a very good outfit in terms of breakdown and set piece. But he was not the only player who didn't have his best game.

"We have had some frank reviews and I'm sure we will have a reaction from Chris this weekend."

Robshaw himself added: "First and foremost, all our focus is on Scotland. We're looking forward to playing in the oldest fixture going. It always has some spice around it.

"Most importantly, it's about being back at Twickenham and starting well. You always look to get stronger and the inexperienced guys have stepped up. That's the beauty of the squad at the moment - people are pushing for position coming back from injury or putting their hand up and trying to grab the shirt."