THE return of powerful wing Bryce Heem after suspension is a big boost for Worcester Warriors, insists director of rugby Gary Gold.

The Auckland-born ace has bagged seven tries in 10 appearances this term and starts at Newcastle Falcons tonight in the Aviva Premiership (8pm).

Heem, 28, was red-carded by referee Luke Pearce in Warriors’ 40-33 defeat at Wasps on March 26 after taking out Willie Le Roux in the air.

He was banned for Warriors’ 36-26 defeat at Sale Sharks and their 26-19 home victory against play-off chasing Bath.

Josh Adams (quad) has been ruled out through injury, so Perry Humphreys starts on the opposite wing to Heem with Cooper Vuna on the bench.

“Bryce has been one of the stand-out players we have had this year and it was quite an edgy time when he was out,” said Gold.

“But I thought Perry and Josh did an outstanding job in his absence and how exciting was that?

“One man’s absence and misfortune leads to us unearthing another young couple of kids.”

Gold added: “Ben Howard has been absolutely outstanding in training as well so our coffers are quite healthy in that department but Bryce comes back from his suspension.

“It wasn’t a disciplinary in terms of foul play and we are not going to sanction Bryce any further and he’s available for selection.”

Greg Garner takes charge of his 115th Premiership match tonight and will be assisted by John Meredith and Roger Baileff. Stuart Terheege is the television match official.

Falcons have won just one of their last five Premiership matches - a 16-14 home success against Gloucester.

Falcons’ sole home reverse this year was against defending champions Saracens on March 5.

Warriors’ have not won away from home in the Premiership since beating Harlequins at Twickenham Stoop in March last year.

But Worcester’s only defeat against Falcons in the last nine meetings was a 16-11 Premiership reverse at Sixways in October 2013.

Worcester have not lost at Kingston Park since November 2009.