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Walker motivated by rivals’ success

Walker motivated by rivals’ success

Ospreys ace Eli Walker admits he has been inspired by the success of his Welsh wing rivals on the British & Irish Lions tour.

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The jet-heeled wing is set to return to action at the start of the season after back and hamstring injuries derailed the last campaign.

While Walker was sidelined, George North and Alex Cuthbert fired Wales to the RBS 6 Nations title and starred Down Under as the Lions secured a series victory over Australia.

Now Walker is aiming to emulate the success of the star duo whom he came through the ranks with.

“When you see their success it makes you more determined to succeed,” said Walker.

“I have played with them at different levels and seen them develop.

“I played in the Wales Under-16s with George and he has always been that big strong, powerful presence in the team.

“It was the same in the Sevens with Cuthy.

“They have done their country proud and I am going to have my work cut out.

“They have achieved so much at an early age and it would be great to emulate that. Pulling that Welsh jersey on is the biggest thing I want in rugby and hopefully I will get that chance.

“The Lions is also an ultimate goal of mine. It is four years away but I have time on my side.

“My first goal is to play well for the Ospreys and hopefully I can gain international recognition sometime this season.”

Walker’s livewire performances for the Ospreys last season saw him named in Wales’ Six Nations squad.

Unlike the more powerful wings, Walker relies on fleet of foot and sheer pace and he is confident there is still plenty of room for players of his ilk in the modern game.

“There is definitely room for a pacy winger in the modern game and it is good to have versatile options,” said Walker.

“The game is changing and people are saying bigger is better.

“But you can’t really say that when you see the likes of Shane Williams winning world player of the year just five years ago.

“He tore up the game and is only 5ft 8in and 80kg.”

Walker has long been compared to the record-breaking wing and succeeded him in the Ospreys’ number 11 jersey.

But while Walker was keen to play down any similarities, he revealed the gratitude he holds towards Williams and several other former Osprey wings.

“I try not to think too much about who wore the shirt before,” said the 21-year-old.

“Shane was a great player and still is. When I first came onto the Ospreys scene there were international players ahead of me like Shane, Tommy Bowe, Nikki Walker and it improved my game.

“I would like to think I have learned from Shane personally but I would also like to think now it’s my time to shine.”

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