Pennell, who this week agreed a new two-year contract, sliced through Irish to score a try after just five minutes as Worcester secured a 19-9 win on home soil.

The red-hot wing has now scored four tries in his last five games for Warriors in all competitions - just a matter of months after returning from knee reconstruction.

And McGinty is full of admiration for the Warriors Academy graduate who he believes has the strength of character to make it all the way in the game.

"Chris has just been exceptional," said McGinty. "It takes a long time to come back from the type of injury he has had, but he has come back as if he was never injured.

"It's fantastic and I can't believe how quickly he has adapted to the speed of the game. I'm very pleased for him.

"I believe Chris is one of our most talented players, he has unfortunately had a lot of injuries over the last few years and a lot of players would have maybe even retired by now.

"But Chris is so tough mentally and just wants to be here and be a top notch professional rugby player. He is determined to get there, regardless of what is put in front of him.

"He keeps climbing over it and comes back stronger ever time, he is an extremely talented player and I am so pleased he got the extension to his contract."