ANDY Keast is backing Duncan Roke to come through his big-match nerves this season.

Worcester Rugby Club's coach watched on in horror last season as the full-back saved his worst performance of the season for the National One showdown with Rotherham at Sixways.

The performance came on the back of a few disappointing displays in the bigger matches and led to concerns that the former Henley man would always struggle when it really mattered.

Roke enjoyed another fine season last time around, finishing as top try scorer with 26 tries for the season, easily eclipsing Rotherham's Michael Wood on 22. However, it was Roke's display in the April 12 promotion shootout which will linger in many supporters' minds as he made mistake after mistake.

Keast, though, believes a summer call-up for England Sevens has restored some of Roke's shattered confidence.

"Everybody could see that that performance against Rotherham hit his confidence," said Keast.

"Duncan is a confidence player and 95 per cent of the season, he doesn't have a problem.

"He put that performance down to nerves but what he has to understand is that, really, there is no difference playing Rotherham to playing any other team. It is a mental thing and I'm confident he'll come through it.

"I think the great thing for Duncan is that he got the England call. That was a major boost to him and he has come back for pre-season flying.

"Duncan always gives 200 per cent in training. He is a very dedicated professional rugby player.

"We've sat down and talked about the situation and it's just a case of him preparing mentally the same way for every game. I've got confidence he will overcome his nerves."