Jonathan Joseph ready to repay Warren Gatland's faith in Lions inclusion

Jonathan Joseph has admitted he must repay Warren Gatland's faith for insisting the England centre tour New Zealand with the British and Irish Lions.

Bath star Joseph was an 11th-hour inclusion in the Lions' 41-man touring party for the three-Test All Blacks trip, after head coach Gatland demanded his addition in last-minute selection meetings.

The 26-year-old battled through the fog of jet-lag as the Lions won their tour opener 13-7 over the Provincial Barbarians - but will be at full throttle for Tuesday's Highlanders clash in Dunedin.

And the 33-cap centre confirmed he is now out to vindicate Gatland's decision to bring him on tour ahead of the likes of Ireland's Garry Ringrose.

Asked if it is time to repay Lions boss Gatland, Joseph replied: "Yeah for sure, I owe him a lot. I want to prove myself on the big stage and there's no better place to do it.

"I'm up for the challenge and I'll do everything I can to put in a good performance. If it doesn't happen, it doesn't happen, but I have to give myself the best shot."

Lions defence coach Andy Farrell expects a huge battle for the Test match outside centre role, with Jonathan Davies already in strong form.

Joseph has another chance to impress on Tuesday after a mixed opener in Whangarei - and is desperate to strike back to his best.

"Obviously it's going to be down to Gats (Gatland) at the end of the day," said Joseph, of the centre selection fight.

"There are people who are playing very well and that's what these games are for; to put your best foot forward.

"That's what certain individuals are doing and that's what I'm going to try to do, with the opportunity to play in this game. It gives me a great chance to try to do that."