Richard Hill has backed Ed Barnes – Bristol Rugby's international rugby "flag-carrier" – to profit from his England Saxons start.

The Bristol Rugby fly-half has been named in the starting line-up for the England second-string's clash with Portugal at Edgeley Park, Stockport, on Friday.

He will partner Leicester's established international scrum-half Harry Ellis behind the pack and is charged with sparking a back-line that includes Test players Nick Abendanon and Tom Varndell.

And his club boss is sure the experience will benefit the 28-year-old playmaker.

"It's good to have some international recognition for the club and Ed is carrying the flag for Bristol," said head coach Hill.

"Ed has not had a massive amount of Premiership experience and yet he has had a hell of a lot of responsibility put on his shoulders this season.

"It has been a difficult season for him but he has done very well in those difficult circumstances. He needs another one, two or three seasons in the Premiership and he will become a very accomplished Premiership player.

"Playing for the Saxons will give him a lot of confidence and a real lift. It gives players another lease of life to really keep working hard on their game.

"He will come back pretty chuffed with himself and full of confidence – and rightly so. He deserves this chance.

"This has probably come at the right time for him. He went through a pretty difficult period with his goal-kicking, but he has come through that. And what I like about Ed is the way he always comes back strongly when he goes through difficult circumstances."

Bristol assistant coach Paul Hull is also involved in the game against Portugal, having been appointed to the same role with the Saxons.

England Saxons: N Abendanon (Bath); T Varndell (Leicester), D Waldouck (Wasps), A Powell (Saracens), N Cato (Saracens); E Barnes (Bristol), H Ellis (Leicester); D Cole (Leicester), R Webber (Wasps), D Wilson (Newcastle), J Crane (Leicester), G Skivington (Wasps), K Myall (Leeds), A Saull (Saracens), P Dowson (Newcastle, capt). Reps: J Ward (Wasps), N Catt (Bath), T Mercey (Saracens), J Fisher (London Irish), J Simpson (Wasps), A Goode (Saracens), M Smith (Leicester).