WORCESTER'S teenage centre Andrew Higgins has been propelled into the international limelight after being chosen in the England Under 21 squad at the age of 18.

Higgins was originally chosen for the U19s but has now been fast-tracked after some outstanding performances for Worcester's first team.

The teenager has also been training with the England Colts all season and played for them against Oxford University last week.

Selectors were so impressed they have picked him to play against Ireland U21s at Banbury on Friday (kick-off 7.30pm).

The match is a curtain-raiser for the full international at Twickenham the next day.

Worcester's chief executive Geoff Cooke led England to the brink of World Cup glory in 1991 and said he cannot remember players making the U21s at such a young age.

"It's a real achievement and he's very highly thought of in the England set-up at the moment," said Cooke.

"Obviously he's still eligible for the U19s so he could find himself playing for them later in the season.

"Off the top of my head I can't think of anyone making the U21s when still only 18 but he can cope with it.

"He's a great tackler and is one a number of good young players coming through."

Higgins joined Worcester during the summer straight from school and made an immediate impact in the first team, especially for his tough tackling.

Worcester's Director of Rugby, Les Cusworth, first spotted Higgins while playing for the England Schools team last season.

"Andrew is a very talented young player who has been a real credit to Worcester this season," he said.