HOOKER Niall Annett is convinced “monster” Worcester Warriors flanker Ted Hill will grow into an England “regular”.

Hill kicked off the Gallagher Premiership campaign in impressive fashion with a man-of-the-match showing in Worcester Warriors’ 24-16 win over Leicester Tigers last Saturday.

The 20-year-old powered over for Warriors’ opening try, claimed a crucial lineout steal just before half-time and carried hard all afternoon.

A sensational start to last season saw Worcester-born Hill earn his first senior international cap when he came off the bench against Japan at Twickenham in November.

And Annett believes his team-mate, who stands at 6ft 4in and weighs 17st 3lbs, is only starting to show “elements” of the “big potential” he possesses.

“He is a monster,” said the 28-year-old Irishman when asked to describe Hill.

“He is someone that we have been aware of for a long time.

“I remember seeing him in the gym when he was like 16 or 17 and he was free squatting more than I could ever dream to.

“I think he has progressed so much in his first year as a professional rugby player.

“Last year he was someone who had bags of potential and you are now starting to see elements of the potential he has come to the fore. That’s really pleasing for him.

“Hopefully he can continue to get better and better and there’s no doubt in my mind he will be a regular international in the future.”

Hill has now scored 10 tries in 29 appearances in all competitions since making his first-team debut against Sale Sharks in the Anglo-Welsh Cup in November 2017.

The back rower faces stiff competition for a place in the national side with flankers Tom Curry and Sam Underhill starring in England’s World Cup semi-final victory over Australia at the weekend.

But Warriors boss Alan Solomons is adamant “demon” ball-carrier Hill will be back in Eddie Jones’ plans “sooner rather than later”.

“Eddie has already taken note of him as he was involved in the Japan Test,” Solomons said.

“England have great competition for places because they have a very good side.

“But Ted is a guy who I firmly believe will play international rugby sooner rather than later.

“There is a long way to go until the Six Nations takes place as there are no autumn internationals.

“But he has an opportunity to play his way into the side.”

Solomons said he would also be “shocked” if Hill did not go on to become a “major figure” in the next World Cup in four years’ time.

But Solomons added: “You can’t make the mistake of looking too far ahead.

“You have to concentrate on the here and now because if you do well then the other stuff will just happen naturally.

“If you start looking ahead you will lose your focus and take your eye off the ball.”