DUNCAN Roke is still 'weeks away' from playing for Worcester Rugby Club.

The full-back, who has been dogged by injury this season, has had fluid drained off his knee to ease the movement but he is still a way off a playing return.

Roke underwent surgery on his knee back in December and coaches John Brain and Andy Keast initially hoped that he could play a part in Worcester's January games. That, however, has proved too soon and they are now expecting Roke to play some games next month.

"He is weeks away at the moment," said Worcester's director of rugby Brain.

"He'll be playing again before the end of February and that's certain.

"It's been a bit longer than we'd hoped. We always looked optimistically upon the injury, we hoped he'd be back in January.

"Really, though, he is on schedule considering what he's had done to his knee."

Meanwhile Jon Higgins has been recalled after his loan spell at Newbury and takes his place on the bench for today's National One clash with Bedford Blues.

Higgins has found it difficult to break through James Brown or Tommy Hayes for a starting spot this season and has enjoyed some game-time at the National Two outfit.

"We think a lot of Jon," said coach Keast. "He knows the situation but he is a young player who will benefit from this type of loan deal.

"We have a five-day recall clause in the deal and, with Tommy's hamstring problem, we've brought Jon back for this match.

"He's re-registered with us for the match and we'll review the situation on Monday. I think he's enjoyed his time at Newbury.

"He's been playing which is obviously important to his development."