HUW Taylor believes it’s his time to shine for Worcester Warriors as he looks to put down another marker against Sale Sharks in the Anglo-Welsh Cup tonight (7.45pm).

The 21-year-old forward says he feels “really close” to securing a regular place in Warriors’ Premiership team and is determined to strengthen his case with a strong showing at Sixways.

Since making his senior debut in the British and Irish Cup in 2014, Taylor has been tipped along with Perry Humphreys, Jack Singleton, Jamie Shillcock and Josh Adams to be a first-team star.

But while those players have gone on to make a number of top-flight appearances the ex-England under 20s international has been forced to bide his time.

However, Taylor’s patience was rewarded last Saturday when he made his long-awaited Premiership bow in a 41-35 defeat at Harlequins.

“I have played in the European Challenge Cup and Anglo-Welsh Cup over the last couple of years — that’s where I have been given my chance,” Taylor said.

“But hopefully this year I can kick on and play a few more Premiership games. Obviously it was a bit frustrating when you see those lads who are from a similar age group as me kick on.

“I’ve still played quite a few first-team games but haven’t played as regularly in the Premiership as them.

“In my position you are usually 23 or 24 before you start playing regularly but I feel I have started to bring that physicality this year.”

Taylor admitted he was nervous heading into the game at The Stoop but after replacing David Denton on 52 minutes said it did not take him long before he found his feet.

“You build it up in your mind as you’ve wanted to play in the Premiership from a young age and expect it to be miles ahead of where you are at,” Taylor said.

“But when I got into the game I felt like I was up to the standard and it was not too far off what it was like playing in Europe."

The Bridgnorth-born ace has hailed the work of defence coach Omar Mouneimne and the club’s strength and conditioning team for getting him in the right shape this term.

“Some boys mature earlier,” Taylor added. “But all I can do is focus on myself.

“The game against Quins was very fast but I felt fit enough so it was about making sure I was as physical as I could be in every collision.

“I feel like I am really close to getting that regular Premiership place.

“Omar has helped me with my physicality and worked on choke tackling.

“We have done quite a lot of one-on-one work and I feel through the pre-season games my physicality has got a lot better.

“I have managed to take that into certain games this season but it’s now about making sure I replicate that every week.”