ANDY Keast is backing Worcester's youth after their international joy this week.

Five Sixways young guns were called up for England duty at under 19 and under 21 levels and the Worcester coach believes they could have a big future in the game.

"With the under 21s we've got James Percival and Tom Warren," said Keast. "They've worked really hard this season and have developed very well as they've trained with the first team.

"They've got their just rewards from the international call-ups.

"On top of that we've got Mark Hopley from the academy who is progressing well and has also been called up, while the under 19 lads Richard Blaze and Dylan Hartley have also gone away with England."

With Keast and director of rugby John Brain giving first team chances to Percival, Warren, Matt Mountford and Martin Freeman, the door has always remained open to players who prove their worth and Worcester will continue with that policy.

"There are some good youngsters here at Worcester and it's all about their development to see whether they'll come through," added Keast.

"We will identify the players who can make the step up and those that cannot because it is a big step from under 21 games to National One encounters. We've given a chance to Matt Evans in today's game at Penzance and that is about assessing his contribution from starting a National One match.

"We've given him chances in second team rugby and he stands out," said Keast.

"Now it's about building on that but I think we've got a good crop of young players at the club now and it gives us a good foundation.

"If we were to get into the Premiership it is another big step to see how many we would take into that environment.

"It is an individual thing, you can't generalise with these things otherwise you find yourself in trouble.

"At the moment, we are a club that cannot look as far ahead as other clubs. We have to take one step at a time."