Young NEC Harlequins star Jordan Turner-Hall has put repaying the club's faith in him ahead of an England call-up on his list of priorities for 2007.

Four years ago, the 19-year-old was making his debut for his school team, and this week signed a three-year contract keeping him at the Stoop until 2010.

The former Academy player starts the year as an integral part of rugby director Dean Richards' short and long-term plans, after impressing in a run of three straight Premiership wins in November.

His absence through injury coincided with five successive defeats for Quins, and his return to the fray helped inspire a gruelling 9-3 win over Bath on Saturday.

Even the young centre can't quite fathom his meteoric rise, or his growing influence on the Stoop side's on-field fortunes.

"It has come so quickly, I haven't had time to reflect on what has happened this season," he said. "I started the campaign as a fifth or sixth-choice centre and, with the likes of Stuart Abbott and Hal Luscombe signing in the summer, competition for places was always going to be tough.

"But there have been a couple of injuries and I have been able to take my chance."

The former Brighton College student joined the Quins academy as a 14-year-old after a try-scoring debut for his school's U18 team against Whitgift School in Croydon.

This week, he celebrated his 19th birthday by committing himself to Quins for the next three years, providing a further boost to the club after number eight Nick Easter and winger David Strettle signed until 2009 and 2010 respectively.

That duo have received international call-ups in recent weeks alongside full-back Mike Brown, and tough-tackling Turner-Hall is tipped to be knocking on England head coach Brian Ashton's door soon.

Richards admitted his side was missing the presence of the U19 international after the 24-18 European Challenge Cup defeat to Bath, and his return saw Quins finally beat the West Country side at the third attempt.

Three Adrian Jarvis penalties secured victory over Bath at a rain-drenched Stoop, where the Quins forwards - inspired by Olly Kohn - out-muscled their opponents.