FORMER England Under-21 star Chris Hall stands by for his first Worcester Rugby Club start with Andrew Lamerton rated only 50-50 to make Saturday's clash with London Welsh at Sixways.

The 21-year-old has only made six substitute appearances for the Gold 'n' Blues since his move from Gloucester two years ago, but will be picked ahead of Andrea Moretti whose form has dipped alarmingly in the last few months.

Italian international Moretti, signed in the summer from Petrarca Padra, began the season as number one choice ahead of Lamerton but lost his place after the 40-13 win over Leeds in September.

He has now fallen down the pecking order below Hall who will take the number two shirt at the weekend if Lamerton is ruled out.

The former Welsh international has fluid on the knee and is struggling to make the vital National One clash after being substituted in the 22-15 defeat at Moseley.

Worcester saw their lead at the top cut to six points with their first league loss of the season at Bournbrook and coach Adrian Skeggs is well aware his side need to bounce back quickly.

However, the former Australian international has no worries about throwing Hall into the must-win clash with the Welsh.

He said: "Chris is a fiery character and he will not let me down if he plays on Saturday. He is a good player -- the only thing he doesn't have is experience but there is only one way of getting that -- to play matches."