Jet lag is no longer a problem for Queensland Reds flanker Liam Gill despite a whirlwind trip to Europe.

But the teenager would still be forgiven for losing sleep ahead of the Reds' Super Rugby clash against Western Force on Saturday night.

The long flight to Perth this weekend does not faze Gill despite only just recovering from last week's Brisbane-Milan-Brisbane journey.

Gill, 18, spent the equivalent of four days in the air after arriving in Italy for the world under-20 titles, only to jump back on a plane to answer an injury-ravaged Reds' SOS.

"It was more my body (affected) but my head is fine," Gill said of the travel.

"I didn't get settled into Italian time so coming back was fine.

"A big trip takes it out of you but I am back in Australia and ready to go."

More travel doesn't worry him - but what is waiting for him in Perth would justify an anxiety attack.

Gill is set to make his starting Reds debut lining up against Wallabies breakdown master David Pocock.

He would be forgiven for thinking another long international flight was not such a bad idea.

However, Gill could not wait to take on the 30-Test veteran.

He took confidence from the fact Pocock made his Super Rugby debut at 18 in 2006 and never looked back.

"To be thrown into the deep end and learn the hard way, I would love that," Gill said.

"To see someone who has done it at this age gives me confidence and self belief that if I get the opportunity I will be ready for it."

Gill - who turns 19 on Wednesday - said the opponent did not worry him, as long as he got game time after clocking only 52 minutes in five Reds appearances off the bench.

Reds captain James Horwill said Queensland would feed off Gill's youthful exuberance as they look to rebound from last round's shock loss to the ACT Brumbies.

"He brings an enthusiasm. At training you hear him running around screaming like any teenager would," he said.

"He's not the biggest bloke but he likes getting stuck in."

Meanwhile, Horwill did not believe the Force should take any confidence from their first round clash in February.

Queensland got a major scare before holding on 21-20.

"They caught us a little unawares early on but that was four months ago - a lot has changed," Horwill said.

The Reds must rebound from last round and win their two remaining regular season matches to ensure they don't lose top seeding in the playoffs.

"It was very disappointing walking off the field knowing we hadn't put in a performance that was up to our standards," Horwill said of last round.

"(But) we are still in the driver's seat - it (finals fate) is up to us."

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP