HEAD coach Rory Duncan has backed “steady” flanker Matti Williams to deliver on the Gallagher Premiership stage after being rewarded with a new contract.

Williams made just 14 senior appearances in his first two seasons at Sixways as he struggled with life as a hooker. But since reverting to his preferred position of openside flanker the 27-year-old has been a revelation for Worcester this term.

His performances in the European Challenge Cup and Premiership Cup drew high praise from Warriors’ coaches.

And Duncan said Williams showed he was capable of playing in the top-flight.

“Matti has proven to be a physical player who is a good ball-carrier, strong on defence and on the ground,” Duncan said.

“Believe it or not his movement in the lineout is not too bad either.

“Considering he used to be a hooker he has really put a lot of time and effort into his lineout work so he has impressed me.”

Duncan said Williams made a “massive impact” in Warriors’ European clash against Ospreys and highlighted his try-scoring display at Saracens in the Premiership Cup last month.

“Matti has had a fair amount of game-time this season,” Duncan said.

“One of his stand out games was at Saracens where he proved that he was really capable of competing with the guys that were playing in the Premiership.”

Williams has featured three times in the league, including starts at Bath and Gloucester.

“I think he has been pretty steady in the Premiership,” Duncan added.

“Given the opportunity Matti won’t shy away from it so if he is given chances in the Premiership I think he will show all of us what he is capable of.”