WORCESTERSHIRE head coach Steve Rhodes is convinced Steve Davies will blossom into a dazzling star of the future following the talented teenager's baptism of fire in the Frizzell County Championship Division Two.

Davies was called up for his debut recently to open the batting in place of out-of-form Stephen Peters.

But he has mustered only six runs in his first three innings against table-topping Durham and Somerset before today's game at Leicestershire.

Rhodes said: "He's got huge potential and the cream always comes to the top.

"I'm convinced he will break through. He just needs to spend an hour at the crease and he'll be away."

Bromsgrove-born wicketkeeper-batsman Davies, who celebrates his 19th birthday on Friday, also made his totesport League Division One debut last month at New Road, scoring three not out against Nottinghamshire Outlaws.

Rhodes said: "Davies has had the opportunity to bat recently and he's been a bit disappointed with his results, but he's a good player and results are just around the corner for him."

Former King Charles I High School, Kidderminster, pupil Davies has not been given the chance to perform as wicketkeeper due to the fine form of James Pipe.

Pipe grabbed the chance to replace Rhodes following his retirement at the end of last season.

Rhodes said: "Pipe has taken some great catches and has done very, very well with the gloves.

"He's been pleased with his form and I must admit on occasions I've thought 'How could I have ever caught something like that?'

"So there's a lot of praise for him. He has worked very, very hard and he's coming together with his game.

"He is aware he wants to score more runs which is great because that's what you want from him.

"Davies has not had a lot of opportunities to keep wicket, but he's come on leaps and bounds in the winter with his wicketkeeping, so both of them are keeping at a high standard."

Before the start of play in the Championship match against Leicestershire at Grace Road today, Pipe had held 27 first-class catches.

That includes seven catches in the opening game of the season at Derbyshire, together with one stumping.