“OUTSTANDING” outside centre Ashley Beck has become the “glue” in Worcester Warriors’ back-line following his return from injury.

That’s the view of director of rugby Alan Solomons who is delighted to see Beck stick with Warriors by signing a two-year contract extension.

Beck’s first season at Sixways came to an abrupt end in October last year when he broke his leg in a European Challenge Cup match at Stade Francais.

But the 29-year-old has come back firing this term, starting in all seven of Warriors’ Gallagher Premiership matches.

The ex-Wales international also produced a man-of-the-match display in Worcester’s 20-6 victory over London Irish on Saturday.

Solomons said Beck was a key player for Warriors, who sit in the top six, as the team “revolves around him to a large extent”.

“He has played really well for us and been involved in every Premiership game,” Solomons said.

“He has been the glue in our back-line.

“He is very skilled, intelligent footballer. He is a big, strong boy and reads the game really well.

“He is an outstanding player.

“But for injury he would have played 50 games or more for Wales.”

Beck won seven caps for his country with his last appearance coming in 2013 as injuries blighted his time at Ospreys.

He left the Pro14 club in a bid to put his injury woe behind him only to suffer a major blow four matches into his Warriors career.

But Solomons believes the switch from Swansea to Sixways has proved to be a “good move” for Beck.

“He has (been like a new signing) as he broke his leg in the opening minutes against Stade but has been playing terrifically for us this year,” Solomons said.

“He is experienced but it is great that he has been getting regular game-time. He is the glue in the back-line as I think the whole thing revolves around him to a large extent.

“Both him and Millsy (Ryan Mills) played well in the last game. But there is a lot of competition as you have got Ollie Lawrence, Francois Venter and Will Butler.

“I think this has been a good move for him as he needed something fresh.

“He loves the place, the people and the club so he is very happy here.”

Beck, who has become the 12th member of Warriors’ squad to commit his future to the club, admitted it was a “really easy decision to sign an extension”.

“We have a fantastic squad,” Beck added.

“I really like the boys and everything about the club.

“As a family we are settled here and very happy.

“The ambition of the club is to be a top-six Premiership side and I want to be part of helping the club to achieve that goal.

“It’s a very positive environment and it’s a good place to be at the moment.”