PROMISING lock Andrew Kitchener says Donncha O’Callaghan has remained a “really big influence” on Worcester Warriors’ players despite not figuring in recent games.

Kitchener, 21, has been selected ahead of the vastly-experienced O’Callaghan for Warriors’ past two Aviva Premiership fixtures.

The academy ace came off the bench in the 58-25 defeat at Sale Sharks before impressing again in the 27-13 win over Newcastle Falcons last weekend.

But Kitchener said he had received help and advice from ex-Ireland international O’Callaghan in the lead up to both clashes.

“I am happy with how I have done in the last couple of games,” said Kitchener who made his Premiership debut against Northampton Saints in November 2016.

“I played in a handful of first-team games last season so it’s not entirely new to me.

“But the senior lads have been really helpful in settling me into that slightly different environment which has put me at ease.

“Donncha is a really big influence, not just for me but for the whole group.

“He is a really good leader and gave me a lot of help and advice leading up to those last two first-team games which was really good.”

O’Callaghan’s last appearance for Warriors came in Worcester’s 22-9 loss at relegation rivals London Irish in late February as boss Alan Solomons has picked Darren Barry and Will Spencer as his second row partnership.

But Kitchener said the 39-year-old was among a number of seniors players who had ensured spirits stayed high within the camp.

“He takes more of a backseat (role on a matchday),” said Kitchener who will be hoping to be selected for Worcester’s trip to Wasps on Saturday (3pm).

“But it has been more during the week as he steps in if he needs to and says different things.

“He is a good person to have within the group.”

Warriors were on a run of three successive league defeats before coming from behind to beat an in-form Newcastle side.

“(Donncha) did help (during the losing run) but I think all the senior players did,” Kitchener said.

“It’s their responsibility to try to drive the group forward and keep everyone’s heads up.

“They are successful in doing that as you could see by the way we played on Saturday.”

Kitchener said he was in a fortunate position to be able to work alongside O’Callaghan who is expected to make a decision on his future at the end of the season.

The former Munster star has won 94 caps for Ireland, winning the Grand Slam in 2009, and been on two British and Irish Lions tours.

“I am pretty lucky to have someone like that here with all his experience and his general attitude and professionalism around the club,” Kitchener added.

“He is a good role model and the other second rows all play their part as well.

“They are welcoming so it is a good environment to be in.”