Chris Pennell admits he is looking forward to his return to action after missing the last two months with a groin injury.
The full-back, who was nominated for the Aviva Premiership player-of-the-season award during the last campaign, has been named on the bench for tonight’s clash with Jersey.
Victory would move his side to the top of the Greene King IPA Championship table for the first time this season and Pennell says the opportunity to pull on the Warriors shirt once again will signal the end of a frustrating period for him.
He said: “It’s been nice to return to training with the rest of the lads and it’ll be great to get back out there on Friday.
“I’m not particularly good at being injured. I’m not the most patient of people and I’ve been getting quite frustrated so I’m looking forward to being involved and playing some rugby.”
Academy graduate Ben Howard has excelled in the number 15 shirt in Pennell’s absence, helping Warriors to six consecutive league wins.
And, according to Pennell, the England Under 20 Junior World Championship winner is one of many youngsters challenging their senior teammates for a regular place in the side.
He continued: “Ben has come in and he’s been doing really well. We’ve got a lot of talented youngsters who are all putting their hands up this season and that’s the way a healthy club has to work.
“The youngsters have got to put pressure on the older guys to put performances in every week – and that has been the case this season.”
Pennell made his international debut this summer, coming off the bench in the second Test at Eden Park during England’s tour to current Rugby World Cup champions New Zealand.
And the 27-year-old admits he is focusing on doing everything he can to impress the England selectors now he is fit.
He added: “The England medical staff have been in touch to see how my injury is, which is a positive thing.
“I’m well aware that I need to get back on the field and play and I’ll be focusing on my game and getting things right at Worcester.”