LONDON (AFP) - Mike Catt is hoping for a coaching job under Martin Johnson, who was named as the new manager of the England team from July 1 on Wednesday.

Johnson, who takes over from head coach Brian Ashton, is expected to opt for a backs specialist and former England centre Catt is eager to fill the vacancy.

And Catt, now player-coach at London Irish, told BBC Radio Five Live on Thursday: "I would love to work with 'Johnno', he's got a wealth of experience in the game.

"He was a fantastic rugby player and he's got the utmost respect from a lot of players and leaders in the game.

"When he says something, you do it, or you suffer the consequences. He knows exactly what he wants to achieve - and he makes sure it happens."

South Africa-born Catt, 36, was a key member of England's 2003 World Cup-winning squad in Australia under Johnson's captaincy and a member of the England squad which reached last year's final in France.

Johnson's former Leicester and England team-mate Austin Healey and Northampton coach Jim Mallinder are other contenders for the role.

Meanwhile Ashton is considering his response to the Rugby Football Union's offer of a post as national academy boss.