ANDY Keast believes that confidence is the key factor in Ben Hinshelwood's dramatic rise for club and country.

Worcester Rugby Club's coach has been amaz-ed by the centre's improvement this season and has made him captain for today's clash with Otley at Sixways.

Hinshelwood has also continually involved with the Scotland international set up in this campaign and made his first Murrayfield start in the Autumn internationals.

While Keast is not surprised by Hinshelwood's evolution as a player, he believes confidence has played a key role.

"He has total confidence in himself now," said Keast. "Life is a big high for him at the moment. The last game Scotland played, he started and his form for Worcester has been excellent.

"He has become more confident after his time with Scotland and he obviously then brings that with him to us at Worcester. He is so much more vocal now on the field and the captaincy was handed to him because of his teamwork. He is a real team player."

Club captain Werner Swanepoel misses the Otley game because of an elbow problem but it would have been easy for Keast and John Brain to hand the honour to the experienced Tony Windo.

Hinshelwood, however, has been given the job and according to Keast is very happy about it.

"Tony Windo has been leading the pack, doing a very good job for us. Ben, though, has been very good in training and communicating. He also has the respect of all the players in the squad.

"I think Ben is quite excited about the fact that he is captain."

Meanwhile, Worcester are hoping to have Mark Gabey fit for their rearranged clash at Orrell on February 16. The powerhouse forward broke his arm against Coventry two weeks ago but is pencilled in for a return to action at Edge Hall Road.

Centre David Officer is also making good progress from his ankle injury and should be back in contention for the match against Manchester on February 1.