Lions coach Warren Gatland picks six players to watch in 2017

British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland has selected six players to watch from the home nations in 2017.

Gatland will name his squad for the tour of New Zealand on April 19 and admits he faces a selection headache after some impressive performances during the autumn internationals and last month's domestic action.

One of the players who has caught Gatland's eye is Owen Farrell, who was a replacement on the Test side during their series win in Australia in 2013.

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"He has really matured as a player since 2013," Gatland told Sky Sports. "He doesn't make many mistakes and that happens when you get a bit more experience.

"We saw that in the past, every now and again there were one or two errors and he was disappointed with that. But at the moment the way he is playing is outstanding."

Gatland also gave positive mentions to Alun-Wyn Jones, Stuart Hogg, Jonathan Joseph and Ireland duo Tadhg Furlong and Robbie Henshaw, but he expects other players to put their hands up for selection during the Six Nations.

One game Gatland is particularly looking forward to is the final game of the championship between Ireland and England on March 18, which could be a potential title decider.

He said: "In 2013 the last game between Wales and England probably turned into a trial for half a dozen players, in terms of players who ended up going on the tour and those who missed out.

"We may see the same thing happen this time."