WERNER Swanepoel believes David Officer could give Worcester Rugby Club the boost they need after Orrell.

The Sixways skipper was delighted to see the former Scotland A player back in full training after a long-term ankle injury. And after Worcester's disappointing 27-24 defeat at Edge Hall Road on Sunday, Swanepoel was hoping to see Officer have an extended run in the side.

"David's a great player," said the South African.

"He was one of the top try scorers before he had his injury in November and you are always going to miss a player of his calibre.

"What is important today is that we get him into the game and the first 10-15 minutes will be vital for him.

"Hopefully he will come through that and then his confidence will grow. He's a big player for us and it would be nice to have him available until the end of the season now."

With Gary Trueman and Ben Hinshelwood ruled out with injuries, Worcester have not had the luck at centre this season. However, with Duncan Roke, David Officer and new boy Will Wigram battling for places, Swanepoel is happy to see some competition for places.

"Duncan Roke has done us proud as centre since Chris Catling came to the club," added Swanepoel.

"Officer is a specialist centre so it will be good to see them together in the midfield. I thought Will Wigram did well at Orrell considering it was his first start though, so it's nice to have a choice for the coaches!"

n Tim Walsh and Christian Evans have hamstring injuries and missed today's game at Sixways 3pm. Walsh aggravated his problem with Evans picked up the injury late this week in training. James Brown comes in at fly half while Neil Mason takes the blindside spot.