British and Irish Lions forwards coach Graham Rowntree has no doubts that captain Sam Warburton will benefit from Paul O'Connell's presence during the tour.

Head coach Warren Gatland named Warburton as his skipper for the tour at selection as well as including former leader O'Connell in his party.

Warburton, 24, is the youngest player to captain the Lions for 58 years, but Rowntree feels that having and old skipper in the form of O'Connell in the side can only help the Welshman.

"Paul is a class player. I've played with him and coached him. He's what I would call a proven warrior at the highest end of the game," said Rowntree.

"A Lions series is the highest end of the game. He's been out for a while with injury but his recent performances put him right in the reckoning for selection.

"He's playing well, is a big man, has experience and is very good at giving to other players. He's spoken highly of Sam and will help him."

The Lions start their tour in Hong Kong on June 1 against the Barbarians.