FLY-HALF Tom Heathcote could feature in Worcester Warriors’ Aviva Premiership clash against Exeter Chiefs at Sixways on Friday (7.45pm).

The Scotland international is suffering with “neck pain” but has passed his head injury assessment (HIA) and subsequent tests, according to Warriors.

This will be a big boost for Heathcote and director of rugby Gary Gold who feared the stand-off had sustained his third head injury in less than a year.

The 25-year-old, who missed a large chunk of last season due to concussion, left the field last Sunday after being floored by Nathan Hughes in Warriors’ 24-10 defeat against Wasps.

After the match, Gold said Heathcote had failed his HIA. But Warriors have confirmed the number 10 had passed the assessment and was nursing a neck problem.

A Warriors spokesman said: “Tom came off the pitch for HIA and neck pain.

“He passed his HIA and has passed subsequent tests but the decision was taken to permanently remove him from the pitch for neck pain.

“He will be available for selection if his neck pain has eased and he is undergoing daily treatment for this.”