DAVID Denton insists Worcester Warriors are “not afraid” of challenging a star-studded Saracens side at Allianz Park today (3pm).

And the fearless back rower believes strong performances against Sarries and then Bath at Sixways next Friday will see Warriors gain the “respect” they “deserve”.

Worcester have won three of their last four Aviva Premiership games to climb 10 points clear of the drop zone.

But they are still only one place above bottom club London Irish and face a daunting clash with the defending European Champions Cup winners.

Saracens, who boast a string of internationals including Owen Farrell, Mako Vunipola and Sean Maitland, were on a run of seven straight defeats in all competitions before beating Leicester Tigers 29-17 at Welford Road last weekend to rise to second spot.

“We have got two big challenges coming up in Saracens and Bath,” Denton said.

“We respect them for the teams they are but we are not afraid of them.

“We have got such a talented team that if we do go out there and play well we have definitely got a chance of coming away with a win or at least some points.”

Denton said Warriors’ confidence was boosted by their memorable 31-27 triumph at Leicester in late November as it ended their 20-month wait for an away win in the league.

“It was a massive result for us and it was even better as we backed up the win against Northampton as well,” Denton said.

“Consistency is the key in this competition. For us to be respected like we want to be, we need to be backing up performances.

“We have over the last few weeks. But these next two games will go a long way in earning us the respect we deserve.”