DUNCAN Roke has been ruled out of Worcester's crunch trip to Orrell on Saturday.

The full back, who has been struggling with a knee problem since October, had surgery last month and has still not recovered.

National One pacesetters Worcester travel to their closest rivals and the Sixways director of rugby John Brain admitted the game had come too soon for Roke.

"He was never in the picture for it in the end," said Brain. "He still has a limited range of movement and he can't run full out and twist on the knee.

"There are plenty of other games this season, though, so it's not the end of the world for Duncan. He'll be disappointed to miss this game but the important thing is to get him right for the rest of the season."

Apart from Roke, however, Brain is blessed with a fully fit squad to chose from and admits that it will be an interesting selection dilemma.

"Everyone apart from Duncan is fit and that's a big boost considering the amount of injuries we had last time we played at Orrell.

"It's just another game for us and that's the way we're treating it. We go there with a three point lead over Orrell so the pressure is all on them.

"They are at home and they will have the expectation on their shoulders. Make no mistake, we are going there to win the game, that's the way we approach any match.

"We know if we can win then it will be a massive boost to our promotion bid but there's still a long way to go after that so that's why we have to treat it as just another game in the league season."