ANDY Keast believes he has unearthed a gem in Uche O'Duza.

The 17-year-old caught the Worcester Warriors head coach's eye last season when he played in a second team game and he has since gone on to star for England in the 18-Group Clubs Four Home Unions Tournament in Ireland where his side reached the final.

O'Duza was a regular scorer for England during the tournament and claimed a number of man-of-the-match awards as he continued to boost his reputation at youth level.

He has since been called into the national academy squad and may now not be available to Worcester until September.

However, with him now signed on as a first team player for Worcester's maiden season in the Premiership, Keast believes the Wolverhampton School pupil could yet be a secret weapon.

"I'm very excited by Uche," said Keast. "I haven't been this excited about a new talent since seeing Marcel Garvey when I was at Gloucester Rugby Club.

"This boy will go straight into the first team training squad and we want to build up his experience this season.

"He's lighting quick and very powerful. He has massive potential.

"He has raw ability but what impresses me is how aware he is for his age. There is something about him which is special, I have a gut feeling about this lad."