JAKE Abbott is hoping his performance against Scarlets can help him nail down a regular place in the Warriors team.

The Worcester flanker marked his first start of the season following a hamstring injury with a try in the 34-18 LV= Cup victory over Scarlets last Saturday.

Although he admits he still has work to do in the wake of his long lay-off, Abbott is keen to state his case to head coach Richard Hill ahead of Sunday’s trip to Wasps in the same competition.

The 24-year-old said: “There are boys there on the fringes, me included, who are hungry to get involved. Hopefully I’ll be involved again on Sunday. Everyone needs to play for those places and hopefully it will push us on.

“I’ve just got one focus at the moment — to play in the Premiership side as well as these cup games. Any game I can play — I’m not going to stop until I’ve done that.

“So I will keep my head down, work hard and push the other boys on. I’m feeling good.

“The players have improved massively since last season. I’ve got some catching up to do but I’m fit now and I feel good so I’m just going to keep my head down.”

Abbott has also welcomed the addition of Richard de Carpentier to the back-row department at Sixways.

He said: “There is more competition with the arrival of Richard. It’s another one to add to the mix.

“We need boys pushing to play and no one’s place should be safe. Richard will be an asset to the club. He’s young, he’s keen.

“I’m trying to knock the cobwebs off and work hard and push the other players ahead of me.”