RESPECTED young centre Will Butler received high praise from backs coach Sam Vesty after skippering Worcester Warriors for the first time.

The 19-year-old academy ace captained the team in their Anglo-Welsh Cup 24-21 defeat to Sale Sharks at Sixways last Friday.

Warriors named 12 first-team players in the starting line-up including experienced duo Bryce Heem and Nick Schonert.

But Vesty admitted the respect players’ had for Butler made the Ledbury teenager a strong candidate to lead the team in the competition.

“Will epitomises what we want to be about at this club as he works hard, is humble and the boys respect him,” Vesty said.

“I don’t think it matters how old you are as he has everything I like to see in a person.”

Butler, who has now made two senior appearances for Warriors, is expected to lead the side out again when Worcester take on Harlequins at the Stoop on Sunday (3pm).

“It’s a great learning curve and a great opportunity for him to use these couple of weeks to get better at playing rugby but also leading people,” Vesty said.

“I think he did very well last Friday.

“He speaks very well, but it’s not all about what you say. It’s also about what you do and the respect that you have from the other players.”

Hooker Beck Cutting was handed a starting jersey in his first outing for the senior side while youngsters Ted Hill, Nick Rigby and Charlie Jeavons-Fellows, who was brought in from Stourbridge, made their debuts.

But arguably the best showing from a debutant came from Ollie Lawrence. The Bromsgrove School student who has recently turned 18 scored a try and set up Tom Howe’s last-gasp score in an impressive 22-minute cameo.

“Some guys put their hands up and played really well while others will use this as a learning tool and now know what they need to work on to be first-team players at this level,” Vesty added.

“There were some really strong performances from some young lads and I was really chuffed to see Ollie get a try and an assist.

“Ollie is still at school and has just turned 18.

“He’s a promising young player.

“He’s on half-term and hasn’t looked out of place.

“It was excellent to see him do some good stuff out there.”