WORCESTER Rugby Club's coaching duo have heaped praise on Daren O'Leary ahead of today's clash at London Welsh.

John Brain and Andy Keast snapped up the former Premiership prowler in the summer and O'Leary has proved to be Mr Consistent either on the wing or, tellingly, at full back.

Despite a disappointing debut at Otley back in September, the 30-year-old has won over the Worcester crowd with some ultra-reliable performances.

"There were some reservations from certain sections from the crowd when he first arrived and I think that was unjustified," said Brain, Worcester's director of rugby.

"He's a very, very good professional and we were aware of that when we brought him to the club in the summer. He's hungry to get back into the Premiership and start scoring tries back at the top level. That's the key, he's hungry. Daren knows Andy Keast very well and that's why he came to Worcester to play rugby under Andy."

"Daren's a good team man," added Keast. "You saw that on Saturday against Bedford when he worked for David Officer's try. Full back is not his natural position but he's worked at it and he made that try for Offy on Saturday and got a lot of satisfaction from that."It's a string to his bow that he's never had before.

"People talk about Daren O'Leary the finisher but he's quite happy to be a provider as well and that says it all about him, he's prepared to work for the team. He's been totally professional this season and he is still very ambitious. He wants to be back at the top level with Worcester."

Meanwhile, Brain believes the battle for the openside flanker position is becoming a fascinating one.

Russell Earnshaw, who signed from Rotherham earlier this month, has taken the number seven shirt since Gavin Pfister suffered a hamstring strain.

However, with the South African now fit again, Brain believes the two will push one another all the way for a starting slot.

"Russell has got the nod for today because of his performance against Bedford on Saturday," said Brain.

"Gavin is fit again now and we are well aware just how well he performed in his last game against Orrell.

"We wanted another look at Russell because we know all about Gavin and we've got to see how Russell fits in at Worcester until the end of the season.

"What is good, however, is that we've got two openside flankers who are desperate to play and prove themselves for Worcester. That can only be good for the team and the club."