Ted Hill could be a future British and Irish Lion: Donncha O'Callaghan

Worcester-born Hill, 19, had a Premiership debut to remember on Sunday as he scored two tries in Warriors’ 44-37 victory over Leicester Tigers at Welford Road.

After replacing the injured Sam Lewis on 26 minutes Hill crossed the whitewash at the start of the second half before scoring Worcester’s match-winning try in the final minute.

O’Callaghan, who finished his glittering playing career at the end of last term, became a big admirer of the back rower’s ability during his three seasons at Warriors.

And the 39-year-old former Munster lock reckoned Hill could go on to represent the Lions if he continued to progress and pick the brains of experienced players.

“Ted is an incredible player,” said O’Callaghan who won 94 caps for his country and skippered the Lions in 2009.

“He has got it all. The lines he runs are incredible so it is about making sure that you are supporting him and giving him little tips along the way.

“(When I was a young player) I was constantly in John Langford’s ear or Mick Galwey’s ear asking them stuff whereas English lads don’t tend to do that.

“They are a bit more reserved and think they are being cheeky whereas Irish lads will have no problem talking to guys who have got knowledge.

“There are super talented players (at Warriors) and I think there are exciting times ahead with guys like Ted as he is a leader too.

“If he keeps progressing the way he is I think he could be a Lion.”

O’Callaghan, who made 63 appearances for Warriors, said he was also impressed with Worcester’s academy stars Will Butler, Andrew Kitchener, James Scott and Ollie Lawrence.

“I would love to head to the Premiership final one day and watch those guys battle it out (at Twickenham),” O’Callaghan added.

Hill came through the ranks at Malvern Rugby Club and has been part of Warriors’ youth set-up since his early teens.

His first-team bow came in Worcester’s Anglo-Welsh Cup clash with Sale Sharks in November last year before coming off the bench against Harlequins a week later.

The young forward, who studied at The River School and Worcester Sixth Form College, also starred in the World Rugby Under 20 Championship this summer, guiding England to the final.

Warriors chief Alan Solomons insisted it was not a difficult decision to send Hill onto the field against Leicester.

“He was here so he was always going to play,” said Solomons after Worcester’s dramatic victory at Welford Road.

“We have got some great players in our academy.

“It wasn’t too long ago that Jack Singleton and Josh Adams were in our academy.

“They have both come through it and now look at the difference they are making.

“Ted is a terrific young player.

“It was only a matter of time before he was going to get his opportunity and he showed that he belongs at this level.”