England hooker Dylan Hartley has admitted that he must keep performing in order to maintain his place in the squad.

The 27-year-old, who faces direct competition in Tom Youngs, was hailed by many following England's 20-0 Six Nations victory over Scotland.

Despite his recent run, Hartley is not quick to forget where he was just a short time ago.

"I've been in enough situations to know you're only as good as your last game," the Northampton Saints captain is quoted as saying by Yahoo Sport. "You have to keep performing and stay on your toes, but you do enjoy the ups.

"I thought that if I got back here I'd enjoy it and almost cherish it because you're one game away from being on the other side of the headlines. I've been there, so I'm just enjoying it and I don't mean enjoy it as in a jolly. I mean that every time I pull on that shirt and step into this environment is special because when you're not in it, are injured or on the bench, you miss it.

"Three games ago I was on the bench. Three games ago I was on the road to redemption from the summer. I was on a chance from [head coach] Stuart Lancaster. A lot of people forget that and they get caught up on the here and now, but three games ago I was on the bench, so I'll enjoy it while I'm here."

England are back in action on February 22 when they face Ireland at Twickenham.