WORCESTERSHIRE batting coach Kevin Sharp says Brett D'Oliveira is "incredibly determined" to learn from last season's experiences in the opening batsman's role.

It was Sharp who elevated D'Oliveira up the batting order in the Second Eleven two years ago and then director of cricket Steve Rhodes gave him his chance going in first at the tail-end of the 2015 campaign.

D'Oliveira enjoyed a prolific start to 2016, including registering a double century against Glamorgan at the SWALEC Stadium, and he was selected for the England Lions Tri-Series with Sri Lanka 'A' and Pakistan 'A.'

But the all-rounder had to battle hard for runs during the second half of the campaign.

Sharp, who is also Second Eleven coach, said: "Do I expect Brett to bounce back? He has shown us what he can do. He played brilliantly at times and he is still learning his trade. He has only done the role for a relatively short period of time.

"He has got the added addition of being a genuine all-rounder because of his bowling as well so he's got that to manage and it's quite challenging for him actually to be opening the batting and be a lead spinner.

"However, he thrives on that, he thrives on those sort of opportunities, and Brett is incredibly determined.

"Also, it is great to have the successes - and he got the call from the Lions which was a huge bonus - but probably the more difficult days are often sometimes the biggest ways of learning.

"He will bank all those experiences that went on for him last year."

Sharp has high hopes of D'Oliveira and all the County squad.

He said: "I just think Dolly is another lad who is going to be a year older and a year wiser and I would expect these guys to really start coming to the party, for sure.

"He is back in full-time practice now and like all the lads, they have got a great work ethic here at this club.

"They are really fit, are well trained by Ross (Dewar) and looked after by Ben (Davies) and they are a credit to the club."