FORMER Bath lock Will Spencer is poised to make his long-awaited debut for Worcester Warriors in Saturday’s European Challenge Cup clash with Newport Gwent Dragons (3pm).

The 6ft 7in second row, 24, has been plagued with a troublesome back problem since arriving from the Recreation Ground in the summer.

Backs coach Sam Vesty, who is overseeing Warriors in Europe, is finally hoping to unleash the fit-again Bath academy product at Sixways this weekend.

“Will is going to be coming out with us and it’s been good to see him back in training and running around,” said Vesty.

“He is really looking forward to playing.”

Spencer, who had injury problems at Bath, made 11 Aviva Premiership appearances for the West Country outfit.

He also had time on loan at London Welsh and helped the club, who are now battling to stave off liquidation due to unpaid debts, achieve promotion from the Championship.

Vesty continued: “Will came here with big hopes of playing but picked up a nasty injury.

“He has been patient waiting for his chance and it will come in the next couple of weeks.

“We are really looking forward to having him in the side.”

Spencer, who joined Bath in 2010 and stepped up to the first team in 2014, has forged a reputation as an aggressive tackler.

“He’s a big, strong athlete who moves around the park very well so he will give us the grunt and power you want from a big second row,” said Vesty.

Warriors could also see the return of another giant lock in Christian Scotland-Williamson who has not played since hurting his knee in the narrow defeat to Brive in October.

Versatile back Ben Howard looks set to make his first appearance of the campaign after damaging his ankle in Warriors’ pre-season defeat in Jersey.

New signing Connor Braid, the versatile Canadian back, is expected to make his debut at fly-half with a likely centre partnership of Ryan Mills and Max Stelling along with Tom Biggs on the wing.

It is a crucial fixture for Warriors who sit at the bottom of Pool Three after defeats in their opening two matches.

Dragons are in second position in the table and the Welsh region are expected to pick their strongest possible squad for the fixture as they chase a first away win this term.

The sides will then meet again at Rodney Parade a week tomorrow.

Vesty said: “We’ve used Europe to give some guys opportunities and they’ve taken it and testament to them for that. The competition is a great tool for us but we want to win as well.

“Our first two games in the group, which went to the wire, really hurt us and the next two games are a great opportunity for the group to put that hurt to bed.

“I am really looking forward to seeing them out on the field because they never disappoint.”