WORCESTER Warriors boss Alan Solomons says he has “no doubt” lock Andrew Kitchener will play for England in the future.

After five years in Warriors’ academy Kitchener will step up to the senior squad at Sixways at the end of this season.

The 22-year-old has already made his mark in the first-team, chalking up 31 appearances since making his debut in 2016.

And Solomons reckons the future is bright for Kitchener who came off the bench in Sunday’s Gallagher Premiership win over Gloucester.

“Kitch is a fantastic young homegrown player,” Solomons said.

“He has had to overcome a few injuries this season, but in the last few games he has shown why he is so highly-rated.

“It’s a natural progression for him to move onto a senior contract where he will continue his development.

“I expect big things from him next season and have no doubt that in time he will play for England.”

Kitchener will be joined by his older brother, Graham, another academy product, who is returning Warriors for next term after a stint with Leicester Tigers.

Shrewsbury-born Andrew Kitchener was a member of England’s World Rugby U20s Championship-winning squad in 2016 and has been combining his rugby commitments with studying at Birmingham University.

But after finishing his degree the second row will now be able to focus all his attention on challenging for a regular starting spot next term.

“He is a very good lineout forward and is good around the field too,” Solomons said “He has played at number six before and his work-rate is incredible.

“When you look at some of the tackles he puts in he has got the physicality already at this young age.

“I think he is a pretty good all-round good player and if he continues to progress like he’s doing it’s only a matter of time before he gets an international cap.”

Solomons has taken a likening to Kitchener since taking over as Warriors boss in December 2017 and reckons the big-hitting forward is “coming into his own”.

“He has made massive impacts in every game he has come on,” Solomons said.

“He is maturing. He is a really good man but is not an extrovert. He is a young guy who is highly intelligent and is coming into his own.

“He is very comfortable in the environment. All the young guys are.

“There’s no hierarchy here. Everyone mucks in together which is good and all the senior academy boys are all with the senior players.”

Kitchener stands at 6ft 6in and weighs 17st 5lb but Solomons is hoping to beef the second row up over the summer.

“He will grow naturally and put on weight,” Solomons added.

“But Johan (Pretorius, head of performance) will do a job on him in terms of getting him bigger and stronger.”