At the age of 15, Joshua Gilbert has already been described as a prodigy and a cricketer destined for greatness.

Despite his tender years, the promising Somerset all-rounder has held his own playing with the so-called "big boys" in the Premier Division and now he reckons he's ready to take the next step and break into the Cup Match scene.

"I am feeling pretty confident this year of either breaking into the team or being named as a reserve. To be honest, I will be excited just to be a part of the final 13," said Gilbert, with a composure belying his age.

Gilbert takes his cricket very seriously, perhaps too seriously some may argue. But it's this unwavering commitment that makes him stand out amongst the crowd.

"I have been drinking a lot of water, reading a lot of cricket books and watching a lot of cricket on TV to try keep myself focused on cricket as much as I possibly can in the lead-up to the final trial match. And there is no real pressure on me because I know I can handle it," he added.

The Berkeley Institute student is the nephew of former Somerset Cup Match skipper Joe Bailey and is one of a few promising youngsters the challengers have waiting in the wings who could possibly get the nod this year. Others perhaps on the fringe are fellow all-rounders Deunte Darrell, Kevon Fubler and Greg Maybury jr.

"I hope they (Somerset selectors) mix it up this year and even if I don't get chosen I hope some of the other young players we have at the club do get through," added Gilbert, whose cousin Rupert Scotland shared in a record 229-run sixth-wicket partnership in 1974 that still stands to this day.

The off break bowler will be up against senior spinners Dwayne Leverock, Hassan Durham and Del Hollis as well as Cleveland County skipper Tamauri Tucker during tomorrow's final trial match in the West End. He admires all of those players.

"I rate them all highly but when it comes down to Saturday I think the challenge will inspire me to bowl even better to enchance my chances of breaking through," he said. "I just want to put my best foot forward during the final trial match and then see where things go from there."

For a young cricketer, Gilbert has already experienced a healthy dose of international cricket, having represented Bermuda at Under-15 and -19 levels as well as an Americas Development XI during last year's Clico Under-15 Tournament in the West Indies.

And it is this exposure on the bigger stage which has whetted the youngster's appetite to be the best he can be, whether domestically or in the international arena.

"I love a challenge and that is what helps to make me more of a confident player and this year I am a bit more confident playing in the Premier Division," Gilbert said.

"My goal is to try and break into the senior national team by the age of 19 and if I am able to I would love to go abroad and play English County cricket as well."

At the rate Gilbert is progressing, he may well fulfil those ambitions.