Sir Clive Woodward has opened the door to Martin Johnson for a glorious return to the Test arena with the 2005 British Lions.

Johnson pulled down the curtain on a celebrated international career after leading England to World Cup glory last November. The revered second row has one more year left on his contract with Leicester Tigers and an outstanding season could see him catapulted into Lions reckoning.

Woodward, Lions coach for next year's tour to New Zealand, today revealed players would be considered for selection even if their international careers were over.

Former Wales and Scotland skippers Rob Howley and Bryan Redpath have already made themselves available, while Lions' favourite Scott Quinnell is another former Test warrior who could merit selection.

But it is the prospect of Johnson, who has enjoyed three tours with the cream of British Isles rugby, pulling on the fabled red jersey once again which really sets the mind racing.

When questioned about the possibility of Howley, Quinnell and Johnson joining the tour, Woodward said: "They'd be welcome - I'd love to have two of them in particular with me! As far as I'm concerned everyone is available for selection.

"The Lions is a one-off with a huge amount of history and it's heartening when you see players like Howley saying they want to go on the tour. I'd rather see a player performing for their country but their club form would be enough to get them in."

Speculation over the identity of the 2005 Lions skipper will intensify over the coming months but Woodward will not settle on a name until next year's Six Nations has been completed.

Lawrence Dallaglio, England captain since Johnson retired, and Irish superstar Brian O'Driscoll are two of the early favourites.

But if Johnson were selected for the trip, his name would surely come under consideration given his inspirational leadership for England and the Lions, who he steered to a series victory over South Africa in 1997.

"The captain of the Lions is very important and I won't make a decision until the Six Nations. It's a huge honour and I know how important it is to find a captain to work with. I'll make my choice very carefully," said Woodward.