SCHOOLBOY Jamie Shillcock admits wise words from England full-back Chris Pennell helped settle his nerves in Worcester Warriors’ Greene King IPA Championship play-off semi-final clash with London Scottish.

The Warwick School pupil was the youngest-ever player to appear in a Championship play-off match when he came off the bench in Warriors’ 38-15 victory against the Exiles in the second leg at Sixways.

"Just before I came on Chris Pennell was talking to me,” said the 17-year-old Warwick School pupil.

“He said I needed to play my normal game and told me to get involved for those final few minutes and help the team see the game out.”

Shillcock was given the news of his shock call-up from Warwick School director of rugby Mark Nasey during a school lesson.

The youngster made his way to Sixways to link-up with his Warriors team-mates.

After just three days of preparation, Shillock lined up in the matchday squad alongside Wales international Jonathan Thomas, Australia international Cooper Vuna and skipper Gerrit-Jan van Velze to face Scottish.

It’s not something that the schoolboy, who is part of the Warriors academy, is likely to forget.

Shillcock said: "Getting the call-up to play for Warriors and to be involved in the match is something I will always remember and I'm incredibly grateful to the coaches for giving me the opportunity.

"It was brilliant to come on at the end. To be able to run out and get the reception I did from the crowd was really special and I really enjoyed it.”

Warriors turned to Shillcock when they lost scrum-half duo Charlie Mulchrone and Jonny Arr to injury and suspension respectively.

With Jean-Baptiste Bruzulier the only available first-team scrum-half, Shillcock is likely to be involved in the play-off finals against Bristol this month.

Former transition coach chief Sam Vesty, who is now the first-team backs coach at Sixways, rates Shillcock’s ability.

Shillcok says he is now focused on making the most of his surprise first-team opportunity at Sixways.

Shillcock added: "I'm really excited about the next few weeks and I really hope I can be part of a squad which can win promotion to the Premiership.

"I would love to be in this environment full-time so my aim now is to work as hard as I can and impress the coaches.”

Warriors travel to Bristol in the first leg of the Championship play-off final next Wednesday before taking on Andy Robinson’s men in the second leg on May 27 (both 7.45pm).