HEAD coach Carl Hogg says scrum-half Peter Stringer has had a “very steady influence” on his players since arriving at Worcester Warriors.

The ex-Ireland international joined Warriors last month after securing a deal which will keep him at the club until January.

Stringer has been brought in as cover for Francois Hougaard who is playing for South Africa in the Rugby Championship.

And Hogg believes the 39-year-old, who has won 98 caps for Ireland, has already made an impact at Warriors as they gear up for the new Aviva Premiership season.

“I think he has had a very steady influence on the group,” Hogg said.

“He has got a very mature head and gives us control.

“I think he has been great for the group.”

Stringer has featured twice for Warriors in pre-season having come on for the second half in their 55-21 win over Hartpury and started in their 24-15 defeat at Birmingham Moseley last Friday.

He is now expected to face his former club Munster when they visit Sixways on Thursday (7.30pm).

Hogg said he felt Stringer’s know-how on the pitch had helped to guide Warriors’ youngsters during matches.

“You need in there Peter because the majority of the side (against Moseley) were young players and that’s where his guidance (on the field) does help,” Hogg added.

“He knows how to manage the game.

“He has done it for 15 to 20 years at the very top level, so there is no doubt that Peter can pull the strings.

“He is a smart rugby player and knows how to navigate around the pitch.”