Wales youngster Harry Robinson insists he is flattered rather than overawed by comparisons to Lions legend Shane Williams.
Williams called time on his incredible international career after the December defeat to Australia and Robinson is one of the men looking to fill his shoes in both the immediate and long-term future.
Sunday’s trip to Ireland will come too soon for the Blues’ teenage star but emulating his hero Williams is perhaps a possibility further down the line.
With a similar, although slightly bigger, frame to Williams and an impressive sidestep, the 18-year-old has been likened to the double Lions tourist after earning a surprise call up to Warren Gatland’s 6 Nations squad.
But rather than feeling under unnecessary pressure as a result of the comparison, Robinson insists he is determined to learn whatever he can from the old maestro during his time in the Wales camp.
“It's a good comparison to have but Shane is one of the best wings of all time. It's just massive to be spoken about in the same breath as him but I won't let it get to me,” said Robinson, who is yet to force his way into his region’s regular first team but has been working with Williams in the build up to Saturday’s game with Ireland.
"We're a similar stature and I always used to try and copy the way he plays by side-stepping people. He was a big influence on me but trying to copy that side-step sometimes got me into trouble.
"I couldn't ask for anything better than Shane mentoring the Wales wings. He is one of the greatest ever talents in the game and has so much knowledge and experience which can be passed on."
Robinson is likely to miss out on a starting spot at the Aviva stadium to either Alex Cuthbert or Lee Byrne.
With George North a guaranteed starter on one wing and with Halfpenny a near nailed-on certainty to be named out wide or at full back, 2009 Lion Byrne and Sevens star Cuthbert appear to be fighting it out for the final back three spot.
Robinson is currently behind Cuthbert in the Blues’ pecking order and he admits his clubmate has been in fine form this term.
“Playing for the Blues more was my goal at the start of the campaign but Alex has had such a good start to the season and has been scoring tries left, right and centre,” added Robinson.
“I can see why they're picking him and haven't been too upset about not getting in.
"I've known him really well, through Cardiff and the Sevens, for the last four or five months and he's a really good player. He deserves everything he gets. Hopefully I can do well and keep following in his tracks.
“This is a good indication of where I want to be in comparison to guys like George North, Leigh Halfpenny and Lee Byrne in the back three. It will show me what I need to do if I want to progress further.”
