JOHN Brain has been given a massive boost ahead of Worcester Rugby Club's league opener on Saturday after skipper Kingsley Jones was passed fit.

The newly-appointed captain will lead the side against Manchester at Sixways (3pm) after recovering from a shoulder injury.

Worcester's head coach received more good news yesterday when fly- halves Craig Chalmers and Tony Yapp were given the all-clear following knee problems, while the other injury doubt, centre Duncan Roke, is also included in the 22-man squad for the National League Division One kick-off after recovering from a bruised heel.

"Kingsley has made good progress and we are delighted he will be involved," said Brain.

"He came through a weights session and looks in good shape. It is obviously a boost to have him involved because we want to hit the ground running this season with our strongest side out there."

Brain, though, will have to do without new scrum-half Elton Moncrieff who is ruled out after suffering a calf strain, the same injury which prevents Argentine prop Alejandro Moreno from playing.

Andrew Lamerton's back problem keeps him out of contention as new boy Joe Ross and Chris Hall battle for the hooker's spot.

Brain is hopeful Moncrieff will be available for next week's Birmingham and Solihull clash, while long-term injury victim Alistair Murdoch is ahead of schedule in his recovery from a rib problem and could feature at Henley on September 15.

Former England international Ben Clarke looks to make his full debut for the Gold'n'Blues in a back row featuring Jones and the re-signed Jim Jenner, while Australian winger Chris Garrard should feature for his first league start.

Worcester begin their quest for the National One title and promotion on the back of a productive pre-season but Brain admitted he was unhappy to see his side concede seven tries on Saturday to a Jason Robinson-inspired Sale Sharks side.

"I was not happy with us defensively albeit against a side with Jason Robinson.

"The game against Manchester will be won, like all games, up front and we need to give our team a platform to play on.

"For me, there is no point in us scoring 30 points and conceding 25. I would like to shut Manchester out of the game.

"It is a big game for us and I'm sure the supporters will get behind us," added the Worcester coach.

Worcester squad: Tuipulotu, Hinshelwood; Garrard, Stanley, Chalmers, Yapp, Smith, Pellow, Roke, Yates; Jenner, Jones, Clarke, Carter, Sims, Zaltzman, Morgan, Ross, Hall, Davies, Lyman, Windo.