DIRECTOR of rugby Dean Ryan admits he won’t be pressing the panic button after Worcester Warriors’ scrummaging woes against Gloucester.

Warriors’ front row of Na’ama Leleimalefaga, Niall Annett and Nick Schonert were put to the sword in last Saturday’s narrow 24-22 Aviva Premiership defeat at Kingsholm.

Now Ryan is urging supporters to back the players in tomorrow’s crucial showdown against Newcastle Falcons at Sixways (3pm).

”We have been competitive (in the scrum) against Northampton and Sale but we got it wrong at the weekend,” said Ryan.

“The Premiership is a huge step up for all of us. Let’s go back three weeks and there are six guys in the pack who had never before played in the Premiership.

“We have got two 23 year olds in the front row.

“Let’s not pretend we are going to have everything our own way every week but we have shown we are competitive.

“We haven’t got a magic wand. We can’t panic about the situation. Let’s have another go this weekend and see where we are after four matches. To blood a front row that is young is the most positive position for this club.”

Ryan said the search continues for players who can strengthen the front row and the rest of Warriors’ squad.

“People need to start having confidence in the fact that we haven’t found the alternative means they are not there and not that we have made a conscious decision to try to play an under 23s tournament,” he said.

“It’s not a free market. The best tightheads have the choice of the best clubs in the world.

“When we understand that, we can get behind the youngsters and support them through times when they are going really well, which were in the first two weeks, and support them when they have had a rough day.

“It has risk attached to it but the alternative doesn’t take us on.

“If we can find the equivalent of Donncha (O’Callaghan) who can play tighthead, irrespective of age, and who is the right person for this club, we will do it.”