TALENTED scrum half Chris Leck has been ear-marked as one of the stars of the future to help England win the 2007 Rugby World Cup.

Not much pressure there then!

The Burnley youngster is in the England Elite Development squad which has been put together to bring Rugby Union's ultimate prize back to Twickenham in four years time.

But Chris's dad Phil reckons his son can take it all in his stride.

Phil, director of youth development at Preston Grasshoppers, reckons Chris has the right temperament and attitude to go all the way and play at the highest level.

He said: "Chris is very eager to learn, is technically very gifted and is extremely fit. He is still young and while the next few years are going to be crucial to his development within the game, I think he can go all the way."

And the 16-year-old is certainly going about it the right way.

Chris played all his junior rugby at Calder Vale and underlined his potential when he scored five tries against Ilkley on his debut as a seven-year-old.

The former St Theodore's High School pupil won a rugby scholarship to Rossall School in Fleetwood before going on to study the new National Diploma Rugby course at Myerscough College.

And his game has come on in leaps and bounds since going to the college on the outskirts of Preston.

Phil, who is also a rugby development officer at Myerscough College, added: "What Chris loves about the course is that there are two hours set aside each day for rugby training.

"The extra time that Chris and the other players have to concentrate on their skill development during their time at Myerscough is paying huge dividends on the pitch. The combination of top-class facilities at Grasshoppers and the quality coaching the players are receiving at Myerscough is giving them a significant advantage.

"That has really helped Chris's game and the level he has reached at the moment just goes to prove that."

Chris, who has already played for England Schools, is on the reserve list for the England Under 18s Club Squad following some impressive displays for Lancashire and the North of England.

But, maybe more significantly, he has been invited to play for the Sale Jets -- the Sale Sharks under 21s side -- against the Harlequins this Saturday.

Having already featured for the Jets in recent matches against Rotherham and Cheshire, Phil believes this is the sort of opportunity that could lead to Chris becoming a professional rugby player.

"Getting on to the Reserve list could be something of a blessing in disguise because at the moment it means he is free to play for Sale."

A professional rugby player and World Cup winner by the time he is 20 years old.

So not much pressure there then!