Henry Slade broke his right leg and ankle against Wasps in December

Before rugby claimed him, Henry Slade used to play football. His domain was central midfield and his ambition was to emulate the artistry of Manchester United’s Paul Scholes.

Years on, he is doing just that, albeit in a different sport. The Exeter playmaker has recovered well from the serious injury which blasted a huge hole in his season and when Worcester come to Sandy Park on Saturday afternoon, he will seek to show once again why national coach Eddie Jones considers him to be the missing link in his England back line.

Slade, 23, missed the Six Nations after breaking his right leg and ankle against Wasps in December — just days after Jones had been appointed. But now, thanks to the Chiefs’ facilities and expert medical support, Slade is a month into his comeback and already showing his formidable attacking qualities.

Henry Slade is eager to make up for lost time as the Exeter playmaker targets a strong finish to the season

Slade looks to go past Saracens winger Chris Wyles during last weekend's clash at Allianz Park

The talented midfielder broke his right leg and ankle against Wasps in December

Like Scholes, Slade is a natural. He pulls the strings without looking hurried and with the awareness and vision to maximise his distribution skills — all while coping with type-1 diabetes.

Early exposure to senior rugby with Exeter didn’t faze him and when his Test debut came last summer he was not overawed.

Rob Baxter, Exeter’s head coach, said: ‘He’s taken everything in his stride. Every time he has played for England and the Saxons, he has looked born to it.’

Slade speaks to Sportsmail's Chris Foy at Sandy Park as he gears up for Saturday's clash with Worcester

So the talent is instinctive, but the question is where to utilise it. The Chiefs tend to deploy Gareth Steenson at fly-half, so Slade has most regularly operated at outside centre, which is where he will line up on Saturday against Worcester. The most obvious opening with England is at No 12, but Jones may see him as a stand-off. Frankly, he could fill in at full back or on the wing. He’d probably also do a passable job at scrum-half.

So is versatility a blessing or a curse? ‘If you’re up for selection in more than one position, you’re more likely to play,’ Slade said.

‘Gareth (Steenson) has been unbelievable, so when I was coming through, I wasn’t going to get in at 10 ahead of him. Being up for selection in other positions opened up a window to get in and, thankfully, I’ve managed to stay in.

‘I don’t play centre much differently to how I play 10 anyway. I don’t crash it up. I’m more of a second 10, organiser and kicker. The number on my back doesn’t really have a huge effect on my game.’

Slade is very versatile players and has been utilised at fly-half and centre for the high-flying Chiefs

Baxter echoed those sentiments: ‘I met Eddie (Jones) and we talked about positions. He sees it a bit like us. It’s no drama what number Henry has on his back.

‘Sladey can play as a first receiver, but he can also distribute at 12 and 13, and act as a second kicking option. He’s pretty strong defensively and stronger than people give him credit for as a carrier.’

In short, there’s not much he can’t do — now that he’s fit again. The injury at the Ricoh Arena could have ended his season but his dedication was backed up by sterling assistance, especially in the hours after he was carried off.

Slade puts in a big hit on Saracens centre Brad Barritt during his side's 36-18 loss in north London

‘The doc drove me all the way back from Coventry to here,’ said Slade. ‘I got to hospital at about 10.30pm and saw the surgeon. It was his weekend off but he was watching the match on TV, phoned in and said “I’ll do it”. He’s one of the best and did a very good job.

‘The next morning I had the op and when I came round my mum was there. She stayed with me for a couple of weeks. Apart from sleeping I was on the sofa the whole day, watching TV and playing on the PlayStation.’

Plymouth-born Slade would squirm at the praise but he is now a darling of Devon’s rugby public, a local lad made good.

Slade crosses for a try on his last start for England; the World Cup dead rubber against Uruguay in October

His is the picture nearest the pitch as players emerge from the tunnel. He is the one who has queues of fans waiting for an autograph or selfie. This interview was briefly paused so two children he had been talking to about dealing with diabetes could present him with chocolate Easter bunnies.

Slade had to miss the Chiefs’ European tie at Clermont Auvergne in December and was a spectator in January when Baxter’s side gate-crashed the Champions Cup quarter-finals.

‘That day was great,’ said Slade. ‘In the back of my mind I was thinking, “I could be back for the quarter-finals”.’

In his younger years, Slade's ambition was to emulate Manchester United midfield maestro Paul Scholes

That prospect kept him going during rehab but there are other targets on his horizon. He and Exeter are currently second in the Aviva Premiership and hell-bent on protecting that status to claim a home play-off.

Slade is also desperate to force his way into the England line-up.

‘I’ve spoken to Eddie on the phone and it’s been pretty positive,’ he said. ‘I want a good end to the season and put myself in contention to go on the Australia tour. It would be awesome.’

That call must come. Slade is a rare talent and surely destined to illuminate his sport at the highest level and earn global acclaim — just as Scholes did. Different ball, same natural class.