THINUS Delport looks set for a stunning return as Worcester eye up Bath.

The Springbok full back is ready to take his place in the Warriors' line-up against struggling Bath at Sixways on Saturday.

Delport has not started a match since last December when he suffered a serious knee ligament injury while playing for Gloucester.

He has been given 20-minute bursts in Worcester's opening two Premiership fixtures against Newcastle Falcons and Saracens but looked back to full fitness on Sunday at Vicarage Road.

And with wingers Ben Gollings and Thomas Lombard both starting the season slowly, Daren O'Leary looks set for a return to the flanks with Delport prepared to burst into the starting line-up.

Head coach Andy Keast was keeping tight-lipped over selection but admitted the 29-year-old is a strong contender to face Bath.

The former European champions are below Worcester in the Premiership, sitting bottom of the league, and are yet to open their account after two defeats.

"On Sunday, Thinus Delport showed us all what he is and that's an international full back," said Keast. "He took a big hit and we were all wondering just what would happen next against Saracens.

"I was wearing a big smile, though, when he got up straight away and ran after the ball. We knew then that he was back and the injury was out of his mind."

Worcester were still trying to sift through their front row crisis yesterday with all of their three tight-heads on the treatment table.

Chris Horsman is definitely out of contention for Saturday because of his broken hand, while Neil Lyman is still struggling to make the side with a sternum injury.

The only possible contender for a front row place will be Colin Noon who may yet recover from a back problem he picked up in the game against Saracens.

"We haven't moaned about the situation but it is a little frustrating," added Keast. "Chris Horsman will have the wire out of his hand next week and we'll see if there is any chance of him making next Friday's game at Sale."

Better news on the injury front surrounded club skipper Ben Hinshelwood.

The Scottish international centre, who has yet to start for Worcester this season because of a niggling back injury, managed to train for the first time yesterday.

Hinshelwood, though, will face strong competition to get back into the team because of Gary Trueman and Tommy Hayes' performances at Vicarage Road.