Harlequins winger David Strettle has tipped fly-half Rory Clegg to be the next England number 10, despite the youngster needing team mate Nick Easter to spare his blushes at the weekend.

The 19-year-old fumbled an inside past from Tom Guest with the try-line at his mercy in the closing stages of Saturday’s Premiership slug-fest against Bath, with his side 11-6 down and staring at a fourth defeat of the season.

But Easter barged over from close range deep into added time to spark scenes of wild celebration, as head coach John Kingston’ men finally got their campaign up and running with a 13-11 triumph.

Clegg, who replaced Gonzalo Tiesi with ten minutes remaining, was making only his second appearance of the season since switching from Newcastle Falcons in the summer.

But Strettle believes he has seen enough of the German-born star to have him down as in-form and fit-again Jonny Wilkinson’s most likely successor.

“In my eyes - and ask any player at our club - that kid is the next fly-half for England,” he said.

“The world class players have time on the ball and an air of untouchability. Cleggy has got that. He has got everything.

“People say what a great footballer Thierry Henry is, but his team mates would say you haven’t seen half of what he can do until you see him training. It is exactly like that with Cleggy.

“He hasn’t had much chance to show it on the pitch yet, but in training he carves it up. When the boys see him ready to come on, they are excited.”