MANCHESTER'S director of rugby Alex Keay lit the touchpaper for tomorrow's crunch clash by branding Worcester the biggest underachievers in rugby history.

The former Moseley coach slated the Sixways club before the National League Division One enounter with an outburst which will undoubtedly fire up Adrian Skeggs' men even before they get on the Grove Lane pitch.

Keay, who has enjoyed unparalleled success winning six promotions in nine years, blasted Worcester for the money spent in the last couple of years which ultimately did not win them promotion.

He said: "I think Worcester have been the greatest underachievers in rugby history in the last two or three years.

"The people who have managed them have cocked it up - big style.

"We could have gone for four years on their money, it's just crazy and at the end of it, they've not achieved."

He added: "They've won nothing and they won't get any respect from us on Saturday.

"All I hear is Worcester this and Worcester that. Manchester are the side to beat not Worcester."

The former Saracens flanker was in confident spirits despite his side having suffered defeat at Birmingham and Solihull last weekend.

They began their season with a comfortable win over London Welsh and Keay believes Worcester are in for a shock defeat tomorrow.

He said: "We've got to go out and expect to win. I'm not going to tell my players 'it's Worcester -- we can't beat them'. If that's the attitude, then why would we bother turning up?

"There's a load of rubbish talked about Worcester. They had a good win on Saturday, of course they did, but it's ridiculous to call them favourites for the title after two games.

"If they beat us at home on Saturday then we'll give them that honour, but they don't get anything from us until that day."

Worcester's director of coaching, Skeggs said: "If Keay wants to talk about the past then that's his problem but it won't save his side on Saturday.

"The important thing is what goes on between the white lines. I'll be happy to discuss his problems with him after the match."

Meanwhile, winger Nick Baxter makes his first appearance of the season against Manchester after recovering from a knee injury. Alistair McLean makes his debut after his summer move from Bedford, while Andrew Lamerton comes in at hooker to replace the rested Andrea Moretti.

Andrew Higgins (hand) and Laulala Langkilde (groin) miss out and Spencer Bromley is still not match fit.

Manchester have no injury concerns and will field the same side which lost out last week.