THERE might be similarities between Graham and Andrew Kitchener who are set team up in the second row for the first time at Sixways tonight (7.45pm).

But Andrew, who is seven years younger than Graham, insists “it won’t be like two clones stepping out onto the field” when Warriors face Exeter Chiefs in the Premiership Cup.

Ever since Andrew decided to follow in his big brother’s footsteps comparisons have been made between the two locks.

The duo both came through the ranks at Warriors and play in the same position with 6ft 6in Andrew just three centimetres taller.

However the 23-year-old insisted he had different skills to Graham and felt they would complement each other well in Warriors’ pack.

“It is obvious that people will make comparisons,” Andrew said.

“But I am not too bothered by that.

“He has been a good role model for me growing up so I have taken it in a good way because emulating him would not be a bad thing.

“But we add different things to the game.

“We are similar players being in that position but offer slightly different skills, so it won’t be like two clones stepping out onto the field!

“He has a lot more experience leading the lineout and his aerial skills are really good. That is something he brings, and his physicality is great too.

“I just try to put my head in where it hurts and do the donkey work, so I will let him do the flair stuff!”

Asked who would be calling the lineout, Andrew added: “We could both have a stab but as the more experienced caller he will probably have a go and then I am able to step in if needed.

“He is really composed in the lineout and has great knowledge of the systems. He is a good influence around the pack.”

Andrew said it would be a “special” day for his family when the duo walk out together and a moment he doubted would ever happen considering the age gap.

While Andrew was coming through the junior system at Warriors, Graham was winning the Gallagher Premiership title with Leicester Tigers in 2013 and on the fringes of the England team.

Graham racked up more than 150 appearances for Leicester where he also clinched the Anglo-Welsh Cup crown.

But the 30-year-old decided to return to the club he left in 2011 and link up with his younger brother who has now established himself in the first team.

The duo were on opposite sides in the Premiership Cup last November with Andrew on the winning team, but they will now be wearing the same colours this time around.

“When I started out full-time at Worcester I knew it could be a possibility as we are both in the same profession,” Andrew said.

“But there was always that big age gap with almost seven years difference. I grew up watching a lot of his games, but I never thought we would share the field, firstly against each other last year in the cup and then getting the better deal of actually playing alongside each other in the same team.

“It is going to be special and we are going to make the most of it.”

Although there was a strong possibility the pair could be named in the same starting line-up at Warriors Andrew admitted the news still came as a surprise.

But he insisted he and Graham were now focused on capping the memorable day with a victory in front of friends and family.

“It was a bit of a shock when I found out earlier in the week,” Andrew said.

“It will be a really proud moment for friends and family when I line up alongside Graham for the first time.

“To finally be able to say that we have played together will be a big achievement.

“I am sure once the game starts we will be focused on our individual performances and try to do as well as we can for the team.

“Hopefully we can deliver a win and make them all smile.”

On facing a star-studded Exeter side, Andrew added: “It is going to be a real challenge, we know the quality that Exeter have.

“But at the same time we need to focus on ourselves and what we can control.

“We just want to go out there and put in a great performance.

“At home in front of the crowd on a Friday night does not get any better.”