British and Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland is hoping that his side will push on and grow stronger when they face Western Force on Wednesday.

His side got off to a flying start on Saturday as they beat the Barbarians 59-8 in the opening match of their summer tour in Hong Kong.

However, Gatland believes that there is room for improvement and feels that deploying Brian O'Driscoll as captain for the match can help the Lions grow.

"There were a lot of positives to come out of the first match in Hong Kong," Gatland told ESPN. "Our fitness and application were excellent and we operated well in the set pieces.

"That said, it was our first match and naturally we were a bit rusty, and there is definitely room for improvement. Of course this a completely new team and the challenge is to ensure that the selected players continue the on-field progress we are seeking.

"With Brian at the helm you can be sure they will be ready to emulate the victory against the Barbarians. This is his fourth Lions tour and he is a respected leader."

The Lions face Western Force at the Patersons Stadium in Australia on Wednesday.