THERE can be few heavier millstones around the neck of a young rugby player than to be talked about as the new Gavin Henson.

But that is the weight Gareth Owen will find himself carrying after Ospreys' director of coaching Scott Johnson drew comparisons between the youngster and the region's inactive superstar.

The problem for Owen is that he hasn't had that many opportunities to demonstrate his talents at regional level.

For Swansea in the Principality Premiership he came up with a couple of mesmerising performances earlier this season, scoring 26 points on his debut against Bedwas and backing it up with 23 points against Llanelli.

One observer who witnessed the 20-year-old orchestrating the rout of Bedwas probably spoke for a lot of those present when he asked: ''Why isn't he a regular starter for the Ospreys?''

The answer is because the region see him as a work in progress.

They are still trying to work out his best position and iron out the remaining creases in his game, but Johnson's bracketing of him with Henson shows how highly he is thought of.

The youngster himself, who is set to start against Glasgow at the Liberty Stadium tomorrow evening, is just eager to be getting the chance to show he can bridge the gap between the semi-pro world and the professional stuff.

''If I'm picked to face Glasgow it'll be great,'' says Owen.

''The opportunities haven't been there this term, but you have to remember there are Lions and internationals from a number of countries all around me at the Ospreys. It can be a bit frustrating, but I just have to be a bit patient.''

It is easy to imagine Owen making rapid progress in the professional game with his repertoire of pace, strength, handling skill and ability to boot the ball long distances.

He has a blend of power and panache that isn't seen often. In an age where the gym is king for most rugby players, he can lift weights but also has plenty of raw talent.

He is also clear about which jersey he would like to wear. ''I would like to play at No. 10,'' says Owen.

''I have played there for Swansea and it has gone well. I like the involvement and being able to influence the game.

''There's less space at regional level and less time. In the Premiership you have a split-second longer to make a decision, whereas at regional level things have to be done almost instinctively.

''If opportunities to run present themselves I tend to go for them 100 per cent.

''You can't have doubt in your mind. You have to back yourself.

''But at other times you have to kick or pass. That is the art of the fly-half, knowing what to do at any point in the game. It is a position where I don't suppose you ever stop learning.

''You just have to keep working at it.''

Owen isn't inflexible, however, and has shown a willingness to feature in midfield as well as at full-back, which is probably wise with James Hook and Dan Biggar also eyeing the No. 10 shirt at the Liberty.

Hailing from Maesteg, Owen played for the Old Parish earlier in his career and benefited from the core of experience then at Llynfi Road. ''John Devereux and Kevin Ellis were up there at the time and were always prepared to help,'' he says. ''Allan Bateman has spoken to me as well.

''Closer to my own age, Matthew Jones, the former Ospreys fly-half who now plays for Worcester, also gave me a fair bit of advice when I was younger, while the Ospreys boys have all been great.

''I just want to take my chances when they come along. You want to do well for yourself and the team. You can do all the training in the world, but you can't beat playing. That is where you learn the most.''