Pete Wilkins believes Matthew Devine is an "x-factor" player who has a big future at Connacht.
The 22-year-old scored two tries in his first start in his third appearance for the Westerners in last Saturday's 54-16 URC win over Zebre at Dexcom Stadium.
He made quite the impression as he opened Connacht’s account; alert to the opportunity, he quickly tapped a penalty before jinking in for his first senior try.
The former Ballinasloe RFC and Garbally College’s scrum-half's second, in the 24th minute, was even better.
Spotting a gap at a ruck over 40 metres out, Devine, who will step up to the senior ranks from next season, handed-off a prop forward among four defenders beaten on his way to the line.
"I was thrilled, we were all thrilled for Matthew," said Wilkins of the player of the match.
"We’ve seen his potential from early on.
"He’s been training with the senior squad full-time even though he’s been in the academy.
"It’s never been in doubt that he has those kind of x-factor moments in his game.
"He’s done his time learning, not just about the flow of the game at senior level but also working with the senior 10s and facilitating the team playing.
"And that’s always the challenge for these young guys, they haven’t had time in the saddle around game-management and relentlessness across the phases.
"I thought he handled that brilliantly. It was really nice that he got a couple of highlight moments to cap it all off."
A standout performer for Ireland U20s in their Grand Slam of 2022 – he scored four tries in five games – Devine (above) will push for another start against the Dragons on Saturday (8pm, live on RTÉ).
He’s in competition with Ireland scrum-half Caolin Blade, who has been one of Connacht’s most consistent players across an inconsistent campaign.
With Michael McDonald unavailable after surgery on a foot injury, Wilkins added the timing of Devine’s step up was ideal.
"It’s great for Matthew himself because he has worked so hard for the opportunity and to put in a really good performance on his first start is massive for him," said Wilkins, whose side are one spot outside the play-offs.
"It’s great for us to have that option of calling on another quality player.
"We’ve known his natural confidence behind the screens which is vital for all scrum-halves. And the fact he has that pace too, and the ability to have those x-factor moments.
"None of that was a surprise to us. For our pathways with the academy players coming through, it’s crucial and part of our identity. We rely on it as well.
"We are investing in him with the contract we’ve offered him from next season onwards.
"We see him as a key part of that haul of good 9s we’ve got at the club. I think he’s certainly got the ability for the stage he is at in his career.
"It won’t be perfect by any means, but he’s got off to a really good start."
Watch Dragons v Connacht in the URC on Saturday from 7.30pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player
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