VERSATILE back Dean Hammond is expected to shake off a head injury in time for Worcester Warriors’ trip to Oyonnax on Friday (7pm GMT).

Hammond was forced off for a head injury assessment (HIA) with three minutes to go in Warriors’ 35-14 win over the French side at Sixways on Saturday.

Immediately after the match head coach Carl Hogg said the 25-year-old was “still with the medics” but was optimistic he would be fit for the reverse fixture.

“Dean went off for a HIA but hopefully he will recover in time,” Hogg said.

“I don’t think it is a significant knock so he should be available for Friday.”

Hammond was among a number of players who were given a chance to shine as he lined up at centre alongside Max Stelling.

Tom Howe marked his return to the first team with a brace before scrum-half Luke Baldwin and back rower David Denton touched down to secure the maximum-point victory.

Denton was the only player to retain his place in the starting line-up and Hogg was pleased with what he saw from his much-changed side.

“We have had three Premiership games so you are going to pick up some collateral damage,” Hogg said.

“We were very fortunate we were able to bring in a group who have been straining at the leash to perform and put a marker down. I thought they did that.

“You want competition for places and the European Challenge Cup has given us that opportunity to give people a chance to put their hand up.

“We did not get out of the blocks quickly so we had to stick to the plan and do the simple things very well.

“We had to work hard in a physical endeavour and got our just rewards at the end.”

Warriors remain in second position in Pool Five, three points behind leaders Connacht after claiming 11 points from three games.

The five pool winners and three best-placed runners-up will gain places in the quarter-finals.

Hogg said Worcester were in a “very strong” position but has warned his side to expect a battle at Oyonnax.

“This group may well come down to a point or two between ourselves and Connacht but we can’t look too far in front of ourselves,” Hogg added.

“We have got a tough task away at Oyonnax as French teams are historically strong at home.

“We have got to make sure we physically rest up and get the bumps and bruises out because it will be a similar squad who go across there on Friday and we will need to manage the game in a similar way.”