YOUNG utility back Ollie Devoto is not shying away as he is given a golden opportunity to cement a place in the Bath team.

With George Ford missing the start of the season for his club on World Cup duty Devoto will have his chance to be noticed.

Rather than be overwhelmed by the prospect of filling some big shoes, Devoto is eager to prove his worth among a young team in Bath’s West Country Challenge Cup game against Exeter on Saturday.

“It is massively important for me to take this opportunity,” he said.

“We know we have got quite a few away with the World Cup, but we have got a lot of other guys in training and it is a chance for the younger guys to put their hand up.

“I think now, with the competition for places and the depth of the squad going into the season, any opportunity you get you have to grab and I will be looking to do that over the next few weeks.

“I don’t feel daunted, I think it is the other way around.

“I am just massively excited to be part of the team that is striving for big things.”

Devoto will be with his other Bath teammates to watch England’s curtain raiser against Fiji tomorrow evening.

The 22-year-old, who played a role in England Under 20s’ World Cup win in France in 2013, has said the home World Cup has given him the inspiration to further his international career.

“All us boys here are massively excited for those 31 guys who have got an opportunity to play in a World Cup and we will be backing them all,” he added.

“Every young player wants to play for their country and I am exactly the same.

“I want to be part of the next World Cup but for me at the moment it is about playing for Bath and when I do get the opportunity to put my hand up.