Delon Armitage today vowed to put the bitter disappointment of failing to make the Lions tour to South Africa to the back of his mind and help London Irish into the Guinness Premiership play-offs with victory over Worcester.

Armitage, who has been nominated for the players' player-of-the-year award in England, only burst onto the international scene in November but has quickly established himself as first-choice full-back and was a leading candidate to make the trip to South Africa this summer.

Irish, in fourth place, need at least two points at Worcester tomorrow to ensure a play-off place.

Armitage said: "Of course I am disappointed at missing out on the Lions tour and I would be lying if I said I could just move straight on but I have to because my focus now is on helping London Irish and our game at Worcester tomorrow is the biggest of the season.

"To be honest, I haven't had a chance to sit down yet and think about how my rugby life has changed so quickly since making my debut for England in November and I will have to pinch myself at some point. I have grown up a lot and handling not making the Lions is another step I have to take.

"There are two summer Tests with Argentina and a game with the Barbarians for England which I would love to be involved in. However, first comes the chance to win some silverware with Irish.

"Recent results have been disappointing for the club because we were flying at the start of the season and were in top spot at Christmas and then came the Six Nations when we had players involved with national squads.

"That recognition was brilliant for the club but it did cause some disruption and there were injuries to key guys like our captain Bob Casey who is fit tomorrow. We are back to full strength and everyone knows this is our biggest game."