FULL-BACK Chris Pennell could make his Worcester Warriors return in Friday’s Greene King IPA Championship clash against Jersey at Sixways.

Pennell has not played since Warriors lost 23-19 against promotion rivals Bristol in their opening league match at Ashton Gate on September 7.

The England player has had an operation to cure a troublesome groin problem.

Warriors’ director of rugby Dean Ryan said: “Chris will probably play some part against Jersey if he continues to train.

“He’s back on the field with us but when he’s been out that long, and Ben Howard has been playing so well, we don’t need to rush him back in.”

The Warriors’ boss says the full-back berth is not the only position in the backline where competition is fierce.

“I want a second receiver who can play and can carry and, to have Andy and Ryan Mills in that position, is a real strength of the club,” said Ryan.

Ryan is excited about the combination of fly-half Ryan Lamb and centre Ryan Mills.

“Millsy is very composed and Lamby is quite frantic but they both have the ability to flick out and play instinctively,” said Ryan.

“Andy Symons is a great distributor and we have really good options.”

Ryan says centre Heath Stevens, who arrived from Plymouth Albion in the summer, is also making good progress after injury.

“Heath had a significant injury for a young lad — he ripped the hamstring off his backside,” revealed Ryan.

“He’s been in great shape and is working really hard to get back to fitness. He knew he needed an opportunity and he needed to take it and then he got injured.”

Ryan added: “But we still have a lot of things that Heath can play a part in, but we’ve got to get him fit and healthy.”