Craig has had loan spells at Otley, Rotherham and Doncaster

Leeds Carnegie academy lock James Craig insists he is ready to step up to the Premiership if the call comes.

Craig, 22, has spent most of the season on loan at Doncaster but has returned to impress for Leeds in their last three cup matches.

"These last two weeks I've played against Premiership teams in the cup," Craig told BBC Radio Leeds.

"So I feel I'm now ready to play in the Premiership and will take my chance if I get it."

The young forward has featured five times for Carnegie this season, all in cup games.

He claimed his first senior try in the 38-24 defeat to Northampton in the LV Cup on Saturday, helping Leeds become the first visiting team to score four tries at Franklins Gardens since November 2006.

"Northampton put out a really strong team, and the week before Gloucester did the same, so it was like playing in the Premiership and I feel I did well and that's given me confidence," said Craig.

"Playing on loan at Doncaster has massively helped me, especially after I was out for six months last year with a shoulder injury.

"Playing week in, week out has really helped me and it's been a very positive experience that I've tried to bring into my games for Leeds.

"Whatever chance I get here I have to take it as we have so many quality players in the back five. If it's in the Premiership then great, and if not I'll go back to Doncaster and keep working hard."

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