Shiells played 75 minutes of the Falcons thrilling 32-30 defeat of Sale which secured their Guinness Premiership survival.

The former Kelso player has already made his mark with Scotland Under-20s at last year’s Junior World Championship in Japan and has no better propping mentor in the North East than All Black Carl Hayman.

And Falcons forwards coach Grimes – who won 71 caps in the Scotland boiler room – has been impressed by Sheills development but warned there is still a long way to go before he reaches the top.

He said: “He has got definite raw talent and has impressed everyone at Newcastle with his determination.

“But this is his first real season as a young prop and they need both age and experience.

“There’s no way to fast-track players in those positions – it takes time and patience but he is very determined.

“Certainly he has got all the attributes he needs at his age and I can only see him improving with time.”