HOOKER Niall Annett rates his chances of playing for Ireland as “slim to none” after pledging his future to Worcester Warriors.

Known for his leadership skills, Annett captained Ireland under 20s at the 2011 Junior World Championship and is a former Ulster player.

The 24-year-old has been one of Warriors’ stars of the season on their return to the Aviva Premiership and has played in all 10 matches in the top tier.

Belfast-born Annett crossed the whitewash against Gloucester in October and has firmly established himself as Warriors’ first-choice hooker after the departure of Argentina skipper Gus Creevy in the summer.

Annett said: “I am a competitive guy and I want play at the highest level I can.

“But while I am in England, I think my chances of playing any international rugby are probably slim to none.

“That’s something I am not comfortable with but I have come to peace with it and it’s something I feel is worthwhile for getting the game-time and development with coaches I am getting at Worcester.”

Annett made his senior debut for Ulster against Leinster on Boxing Day in 2011.

He arrived at Sixways in the summer of 2014 and made 22 appearances for Warriors last term, including 19 in the Championship.

Annett scored a last-minute try in Championship play-off final first leg at Bristol, which proved to be crucial in Warriors' 59-58 aggregate triumph.

He signed a new deal at Warriors last month and said it had been a fairly straightforward decision.

“I was delighted to get it wrapped up and it was a fairly simple process to go through," he said.

“I wanted to stay at Worcester – I am really enjoying myself here and I am enjoying my time with the coaches and players.

“It was just great to get it out of the way to concentrate on the rugby and I am absolutely delighted because this club is going to grow and get better and better.”

Annett played 80 minutes in Warriors’ 30-15 defeat against high-flying Exeter Chiefs on Sunday which was Worcester's 11th successive loss in all competitions.

Warriors remain 10th in the Premiership and travel to bottom-of-the-table London Irish on Sunday for a must-win showdown (1pm).

Annett insisted: “It’s just a game of rugby that we need to go and win.

“It’s the same every week.

"We will prepare as hard as we can and go and win it.

“We are very positive and we are aware of the fact we’ve maybe lost a few games.

“There’s a huge amount of effort that has gone into things and sometimes frustration leads to negativity but there’s no negativity at all."

He added: "We are very positive about how we try to play rugby and we know exactly what we are trying to do. But, in critical moments, maybe we need to improve some detail.”