I am always hoping - Armitage

Keen to play: Steffon Armitage

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Toulon flanker Steffon Armitage has not given up on being recalled to the England squad, saying that he hopes a compromise can be reached in 2013.

The in-form openside flank is currently out of Stuart Lancaster's plans due to the fact he plays for star-studded French Top 14 giants Toulon.

Armitage is unvailable for England camps or Test matches outside of the international window, without special dispensation from his club.

But he has not given up on earning a recall to the English squad as he sets about adding to his five caps, the last of which came back in 2010.

"I am always hoping and I will keep hoping in the future that I do get another chance with England," he told Sky Sports.

"I hope there is a possibility there can be some negotiation (between England and Toulon) further down the line.

"I will do anything to play again for England. At the moment Toulon's where everything lies."

There is no question that his switch from Aviva Premiership side London Irish to the French competition has given his playing career a lift and he is grateful for that.

"I knew what the risk was coming to France but I thought it would help my career more. I thought I needed that extra boost, to get back that feeling of always wanting more," he added.

"I didn't think I could get that from staying at Irish.

"I knew it was going to be quite tough to come in and secure a starting place week in and week out.

"Toulon have players like Joe Van Niekerk and Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe, a lot of international players.

"I knew it was going to be hard but maybe because of them I am playing better.

"I have matured a lot in the game. In the past I didn't always make the right decisions on the pitch. I am learning to be in the right place at the right time."

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