WORCESTER Warriors full-back Chris Pennell has been challenged to “raise the bar” when he returns to action after a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Pennell had “neck surgery” during the summer to overcome a persistent problem and has missed Warriors’ opening five Aviva Premiership matches.

Pennell, who has been capped once by England, is expected to return for Warriors’ European Challenge Cup matches this month.

Pennell made 23 appearance last season, scoring two tries and has played 165 times for the club so far.

But teenager Jamie Shillcock has performed admirably in the 15 shirt in Warriors’ matches against Bath – where he scored two tries – Sale Sharks and Newcastle Falcons.

Head coach Carl Hogg said: “Chris is close (to a return) and has spent a period of time recovering from his neck surgery.

“To have somebody like Chris coming back is great.

“It’s great to have someone of his experience and composure coming back but you then look at somebody like Jamie Shillcock who is playing really well.

“Chris has got to raise the bar when he comes back into contention.

“A healthy rugby club is all about competition and it predominantly comes from your young players.

“They should be looking to challenge the more senior players and keep senior players honest.”

With Ben Howard having had an operation on a damaged ankle, Jackson Willison took over at full-back in Warriors’ Premiership opener against Saracens.

Willison started in the number 15 jersey against Gloucester but reverted to the midfield for the second half after Ben Te’o suffered concussion and Perry Humphreys came on at full-back.

Willison has since formed a strong centre partnership with Wynand Olivier and Humphreys has switched the wing and has three tries this term.

Shillcock, who first shot to attention as a scrum-half when he was 17 years old, has played most of his rugby at fly-half.

And Hogg says Shillcock will get an opportunity at stand-off “at some point”.

Hogg said: “We have always said this club is about growth and young players coming through the system. Jamie is a 10 and potentially at some point in the future he will get an opportunity at 10.

“I think he’s shown a huge amount of maturity and composure at a 15 but as a 10 you have a lot more snapshot decisions to make more often than at full-back.

“Young fellas have no fear and instinctively choose what they think is right and that’s the way we are encouraging them to play - to go out with no fear and play what they see.”