JON Clarke admits he was frustrated by a lack of game-time earlier in the season, but insists he is eager to play a big part in Warriors finishing the season on a high.

The former Northampton Saints centre, who spent nine years at Franklin’s Gardens before sealing a Sixways switch, was one of Worc-ester’s most talked-about signings prior to the current campaign.

However, the 29-year-old former England Saxon has found himself behind fellow new recruit Josh Matavesi and Scotland ‘A’ international Alex Grove in the midfield pecking order.

Clarke has caught the eye in recent weeks with some influential showings in the Amlin Challenge Cup and the LV= Cup and he is determined to hold onto his place in the Warriors first XV with a run of important Aviva Premiership matches in the pipeline.

He said: “It’s been frustrating at times, but I’ve had a good stint of game-time in the last six weeks and it’s good to be playing.

“We’ve got Bath, Northam-pton, Gloucester and Wasps coming up and they’re all winnable games. If we can win a few of those, we will find ourselves in the mix and pushing for a top-six position.

“With just a couple of wins, you’re up there so the target is still right there.

“We’ve got a great squad and it’s an exciting time to be at this club and we’ll be doing all we can to ensure we finish as high up the table as possible.”

Off the field, Clarke is living with his partner in Droitwich and has settled into Worcestershire life well.

He added: “There’s a nice relaxed atmosphere in Droitwich and a few of the other lads live there. Some of the players meet up for brunch club as well. We have a nice bit of food and chill out together.

“On my days off, I like to visit places nearby. I sometimes go to Cheltenham, Gloucester and Birmingham with the missus.

“It was good at Northampton. The nine years were amazing but sometimes there comes a point where you make a decision to move on and the time was right for me. I’ve got good memories from my Northampton career but I’m making new ones at Worcester now and I’m looking forward to the rest of the season.”