CENTRE Max Stelling has had an “injury in the last few weeks” but can be a dominant force for Worcester Warriors this weekend.

Backs coach Sam Vesty believes Stelling can help put Warriors on the “front foot” against Newport Gwent Dragons in Saturday’s European Challenge Cup battle at Sixways (3pm).

Stelling, 22, last played for Warriors a month ago as a stand-in fly-half in Warriors’ thumping 62-10 in Anglo-Welsh Cup defeat at Wasps.

But the powerful Birmingham-born player was in superb form the week before, scoring two tries in Worcester’s 31-25 win against Bristol.

Stelling also played the full 80 minutes in Warriors’ opening two matches – against Russian side Enisei-STM and Brive – in Europe.

“Max does play very well in this competition and we are looking for him to really dominate this weekend,” said Vesty.

“He’s had a bit of an injury in the last few weeks and hopefully he will be on song for us and gets us on the front foot.”

Stelling has not made a league appearance for Warriors since crossing the whitewash and pulling his hamstring against Bristol in the Championship in April 2015.

Vesty is remaining tight-lipped over his team selection but Stelling could form a centre partnership with Ryan Mills.

The former Gloucester centre is available after a two-week ban for a dangerous tackle in Warriors’ Aviva Premiership match against Northampton Saints.

Mills was yellow-carded in a separate incident against Saints but will be hoping to make only his second appearance of the campaign after recovering from a groin problem.

Lock Christian Scotland-Williamson is also expected to be involved after a knee injury and versatile Canadian back Connor Braid could be handed his debut.

Vesty said: “I don’t want to give too much away regarding the team.

“Christian has been training the last couple of weeks and he’s looking good and healthy and is someone we want to see on the pitch.

“It’s good to have Connor around because he’s a top bloke and I am looking forward to seeing him running around and bossing the team for us.”

Back-row Dewald Potgieter, who skippered Warriors for the first time against Wasps last Sunday, is expected to be rested so Vesty could appoint a new captain.