JAMES Scaysbrook goes head-to-head with London Irish again tomorrow having made the astonishing transition from young prospect to first-team regular in the four weeks since they last met.

The fresh-faced flanker 20 on New Year's Day was handed his full debut against the Exiles in a Premiership clash at the Rec on November 11, helping Bath to a 19-11 win.

But as Irish pitch up again for a Powergen National Cup fourth round tie (2pm), Scaysbrook finds himself not only a first-team regular, but being hailed as the success story of his club's difficult season so far.

The Birmingham-born back row's progress is a vindication of Jon Callard's policy of blooding youngsters when the autumn internationals took away half of his first-choice team.

But having given Scaysbrook his chance, the Bath coach now finds himself trying to hold back the avalanche of platitudes and tributes heading the way of his former Moseley gem.

"I've been very impressed by James,'' admitted Callard. "But we have got to keep the reins in on him a bit because we don't want him too exposed at such an early stages.

"He's still got a lot to learn about the game and has a massive amount of work to do. And we have a lot of work to do with him as coaches.''

The 6'3'' player himself was just determined to seize his chance to shine when it came, having worked his way through from the United and Under 21 sides.

Impressive in the pre-season games against Munster and Wasps, he was given his first taste of Premiership action as a substitute for Mark Gabey in the win against Sale on October 13. A month later came his first starting shirt against Irish.

"It's been nice to get a run in the side so early,'' said Scaysbrook, who has also represented England at Under 18, Under 19 and Schools level.

"I knew there would be players missing because of international call-ups, so I thought I might get a go.

"It's been okay, but I know I have a lot of things to learn and improve on.''

A lot to learn maybe, but in five weeks, Scaysbrook has played against back row luminaries like Pat Lam, Junior Paramore and Joe Worsley and not only held his own but outshone most of them.

Big names and reputations are nothing new however. The blonde-haired teenager has to battle with enough of them just to make the Bath line-up.

"There is lots of competition to keep your place in the team,'' he said. "If you have done that, you have done well.

"I think we have done okay recently. It's been difficult with so many players out, but I have enjoyed being thrust into it.''

With skipper Dan Lyle ruled out because of continuing hamstring trouble, Scaysbrook must be in pole position for a sixth successive start.

He added: "London Irish will be quite tough. They have a few experienced players in their team and they have played some good rugby this year.

"But we are trying to improve every week and get on a bit of a roll.''