Harlequins hooker Rob Buchanan's best is still to come says director of rugby Conor O'Shea.
The Premiership winner put pen to paper on a contract extension at the Stoop this week in the wake of Saturday's 29-23 win over Saracens, which featured a cheeky try for the 24-year-old hooker.
His signature came 24 hours after centre Harry Sloan also became the latest in a long line of squad members to commit their immediate futures to the club.
The news comes as a boost for Buchanan after struggling with injury and form in recent seasons since featuring in the club's Premiership final win over Leicester Tigers.
But O'Shea, whose three hookers have all toured with England in recent years, believes his lay-offs could work to his advantage long term.
"He is tough and abrasive, has improved his set piece massively and his play in the loose is uncompromising," said the Stoop chief.
"Rob has suffered some injuries over the past few years which have stalled his progress but long term, this could have been the best thing that happened him.
"There are real signs that he is back to his best and is ready to kick on. The three senior hookers we have give depth, quality and competition that can only be good for them and the club."
Try time: Quins centre Harry Sloan scoring on his Premiership debut against Worcester Warriors in 2014
Sloan lifted back-to-back Junior World Cup crowns with England U20s while with the Quins academy and has impressed many since making his Premiership debut in 2014.
And O'Shea believes he will only benefit from playing and training alongside Wales international Jamie Roberts.
"Harry is a double Junior Rugby World Cup winner and suffered a number of injuries that are now behind him," he added.
"He is playing the best rugby he has played for Quins and has shown that he can play at the highest level week in, week out.
"Harry has a massive part to play for us as a club and his development will benefit massively from watching, playing and training alongside Jamie Roberts.
"It is really pleasing to see Harry make the first step to fulfil the potential he has and we are delighted he has re-signed."
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