KEANAN Brand’s willingness to learn “sets him apart” from other young players, according to fellow new signing Anthony Gelling.

The centre looks set to make his international debut on Saturday by lining up for Ireland in their 2021 Rugby League World Cup qualifier against Spain in Valencia.

Having played together at Widnes Vikings last year, Gelling and Brand have made the move to Warrington Wolves, signing two and three-year deals respectively.

Brand’s breakthrough year saw him win the Vikings’ players’ player of the year award and nominated for the Championship young player prize, which was won by another new Wire signing in Matty Ashton.

International selection only served to cap his breakthrough season and he is joined in Stuart Littler's squad by Wire youngster Riley Dean and departing Wolves prop Pat Moran.

Gelling believes the 20-year-old will only get better the more he is pushed within an elite system.

In Brand, the former Wigan man also found a training partner if he stayed behind to do extra work following a session.

“No offence to the Widnes system, but Keanan hasn’t been tested yet,” he said.

“For him to make this change is the best thing he could have done.

“He started the year as third-choice centre at Widnes behind me and Krisnan Inu, but he broke in through hard work.

“The difference I saw between Keanan and the other young guys at Widnes was that he was asking questions.

“From the get-go, he wanted to get better.

“If I stayed to do extras after training, he would stay too. He wants to get better and that’s what sets him apart.

“In a different set-up where he’s going to be pushed harder, I think he’ll kick on again.”

Brand and his Ireland teammates also take on Italy at Dublin's Morton Stadium in another qualifier on Saturday, November 9.