Owen Farrell ready to captain England if Dylan Hartley is banned - Mark McCall

Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall believes Owen Farrell is ready to lead England in the RBS Six Nations 2017 tournament if Dylan Hartley gets a ban following his red card offence against Leinster.

Farrell, who is tipped as favourite to step in if Hartley is banned, has all the credentials required to lead England according to McCall.

Hartley found himself once again in trouble after being sent off in Northampton's Champions Cup defeat against the Irish side on Friday night.

The 30-year-old Saints hooker left Sean O'Brien concussed after striking the Ireland flanker with a swinging arm from behind.

England coach Eddie Jones, who was present at Franklin's Gardens when the incident occurred, did not looked pleased with Hartley.

"Owen is ready," said McCall. "He's one of those players who leads in every way because he leads from the front.

"Some of his defending in the second quarter was out of this world. He leads through his actions, but also through his messages and communication with the team.

"At half-time he was really clear with the team in terms of what needed to be done in the second half to make sure we completed the job. He's ready."

The 25-year-old fly-half was instrumental in his side's 50-3 victory over Sharks at the Allianz Park on Saturday where he kicked 13 points off the tee before being taken off due to a thigh problem.

"Owen had a quad that tightened up during the game and obviously we're not going to take any risks with him," McCall said.

"We decided to take him off, much to his disgust, but it seemed like the sensible thing to do."