And ahead of a trip to Dublin this weekend Catt admits that Farrell’s calmness under-pressure, especially while still only 21 years old, is almost Wilkinson-esque.

The Saracens man racked up 18 points in a near-flawless kicking display while also orchestrating an England backline that ran in four tries in the Championship opener against Scotland.

And Catt, who works in the coaching set-up alongside Owen’s father Andy Farrell, is confident there is plenty more to come from the stand-off.

“I haven’t come across a player as mentally tough as Owen at 21 since Jonny,” he said.

“Wilko was one of those rare, young play-makers — tough, focused and capable of shutting out the world when he was playing. Owen has the same mentality.

“Watching Owen kicking for goal, the deliberate preparation is very similar.

“I suppose the influence of growing up with his dad Andy’s great rugby league career has got to be a factor, because what his dad’s done is what he has seen growing up and what has put him in good stead.

“His mental toughness is exceptional. We were not used to seeing 20-year-olds at international level anyway. All the young guys have coped with the experiences, stresses and strains of international rugby very well.”

This Sunday at the Aviva Stadium sees Farrell face off against Ireland fly-half Jonny Sexton, most people’s favourite for the starting berth with the British and Irish Lions this summer.

But Farrell will relish rather than retreat in the match-up according to Catt.

“A lot of people are going to look at it as a head-to-head thing from a Lions point of view,” he added.

“Owen’s mental toughness is exceptional. I haven’t seen many players like that. Jonny Wilkinson was one. He is so good at blocking out all the hype. Owen won’t worry if it is Dan Carter, Sexton or Ronan O’Gara opposite him.’

“Both lads played exceptionally well last weekend and it is another game for both to put their hands up and say ‘Right, take me on the Lions tour to Australia.”