OUT-OF-FAVOUR wing Cooper Vuna is “a fighter” and not afraid of "a challenge”, insists Worcester Warriors team-mate Bryce Heem.

And wing wizard Heem has backed the Tonga international to press for a return to Warriors’ squad for their Aviva Premiership relegation run-in.

Vuna has not featured for second-from-bottom Warriors since a poor performance in Warriors’ dismal 55-19 hiding at M5 rivals Gloucester on January 7.

The former Australia international has been left out of Warriors’ two Premiership squads since Gary Gold’s arrival as director of rugby earlier this month.

Perry Humphreys, 22, was on the opposing wing to Heem in Warriors’ 48-32 defeat against Exeter Chiefs last Saturday.

Humphreys scored a try to take his tally to four in eight Premiership appearances this term.

Humphreys looks set to start against Northampton Saints at Franklin's Gardens on Saturday (3pm).

“Coops is a class player and quite a fighter who is not one to shy away from a challenge,” said Heem.

“I think all great teams are built around their team competitiveness and pushing each other to perform and do your best.”

Vuna was Warriors’ top try-scorer last season with nine touchdowns in 21 games.

He finished ahead of Heem, who crossed the whitewash seven times.

But 29-year-old Vuna hurt his left knee against Newcastle Falcons at Sixways in October and has struggled to hit the heights of last term after being sidelined for six weeks.

Heem, who has scored twice in five Premiership appearances this campaign, said: “Josh Adams has had an opportunity and taken it and is an explosive player and a great finisher.

“There are also guys like Perry who is another explosive player and can start something out of nothing. It’s exciting to see.”

Centre Jackson Willison has described competition in Warriors’ squad as “massive” and admits the players are “under a bit of scrutiny” in their bid for Premiership survival.

“The competition in the squad with guys coming back from injury is massive,” said Willison.

“The intensity in training is up and if you’re not performing in the match, you are likely to be under a bit of scrutiny.

“The small challenge for the individuals and collectively is that we have to put it all together.”