CROSS Keys scrum half James Ireland has already played in one World Cup and now has his sights set on another.

The 19-year-old was outstanding in Keys' Konica Minolta Cup win over Carmarthen Quins last week and is regarded as one of the brightest Welsh prospects in his position.

He went to France for the Under-19s World Cup as Wales' number two last season, but finished as No 1 after going on against the hosts and then starting against England and Scotland.

Now his aim is to be number one at Under-21 level and make the team for this season's Six Nations and the Under-21 World Cup in the summer.

"It wouldn't be a massive blow if I did not make the Under-21 team this season," said the Hereford-born player who is Welsh qualified through his Briton Ferry-born father.

"But I'd like to make it for the Six Nations and World Cup. To achieve that I've got to keep playing well for Cross Keys and I hope I can do that."

Ireland was at London Welsh last season but when he arrived at UWIC to continue his studies in sport and leisure management he was immediately approached by Keys coach David Rees.

"I had other offers, including Pontypridd" said Ireland, "but knew David from the Wales Under-19s and felt Cross Keys would be a good move for me because he is such a good coach.

"It has been brilliant this season and I've had a lot of help from David and Simon King and from playing with good quality players.

"It's my first year in senior rugby and I know I've still got a lot to work on, particularly my pace.

One advantage Ireland has is that he's one of the biggest and strongest scrum halves in Wales so that he is happy to do plenty of tackling and often works as a ninth forward.

As for the rest of the season, in addition to his personal ambitions he says: "We are really hoping for a good cup run at Cross Keys. We got the draw we wanted in Newport and if we can beat them we could go all the way to the final."