Wales coach Warren Gatland has hailed the potential of Andrew Bishop, saying he could be an important part of his side.
Coach says centre could become focal point of team
Wales coach Warren Gatland has heaped praise on Ospreys centre Andrew Bishop, saying he has the potential to be the "glue" the team revolves around.
The 23-year-old has put in some impressive performances for his club side this season and could edge out Gavin Henson and Jamie Roberts to start for his country in the upcoming RBS Six Nations campaign.
Bishop made his Test debut against South Africa last summer and Gatland is hoping it's the start of a long international career.
"Andrew Bishop is a good player," Gatland told
Wales on Sunday.
Vocal
"We have spoken to him and told him, you aren't the biggest in the world and you are not the quickest but you could be the glue for a team.
"The next step for him is to really develop vocally. He has to start organising and communicating.
"That is the next step for him as a player. There were questions about his passing ability but we have been really impressed with him.
"His lines of running and passing are good and he straightens the line. I was delighted with his performance against Australia."
With a bit more responsibility, Gatland believes Bishop could become his version of All Black and Leicester centre Aaron Mauger.
Glue
He added: "He is a bit like Aaron Mauger but Aaron is probably a bit more vocal than Andrew.
"Mauger was the glue for the Crusaders and the All Black. He was very important cog in the wheel of both those teams.
"He may not have been the superstar of the team but he kept everything and everybody together. Maybe that is the role he (Bishop) could play over the next few years."
