ONE of the features of Worcester's recent mini-revival has been the return to prominence of a number of the club's stalwarts.

Matt Powell and Tony Windo came back into the line-up at Saracens in November and helped inspire the side to a memorable and much-needed first win of the season.

Since then, Powell has made the number nine shirt his own while only ill-timed injuries have denied Windo his place.

Drew Hickey, James Brown and Gary Trueman have all since won back their places and have justified selection with several fine performances.

Brown's return to the side and the decision to switch Shane Drahm to full-back has been a major factor behind some of the vastly improved performances of the last two months.

For all of Drahm's talents, the England A' player often gives opponents the chance to charge down his kicks or turn him over in the tackle. For this reason, when playing at fly-half, he finds himself under pressure quickly and often ends up running into the proverbial brick wall.

But playing two specialist kickers has given Warriors another outlet and allows Brown to pull the strings in midfield - something he did to brilliant effect against Wasps on Sunday.

And he admits the new arrangements are helping him to find his best form.

"If they are trying to target the 10 we can switch the play and give it to Drahmy on the other side of the pitch," said Brown.

"I think it has given us a bit more balance and a bit of width to our game as well. We are trying to bring in our two wingers.

"It is very difficult when either of us is playing at 10. There is a lot of pressure on that single position.

"Having Shane and myself on the pitch at the same time, it gives us two different ways in which the team can go."

Brown may not be as consistent a goal-kicker as Drahm but he showed at Adams Park that he possesses a fine all-round game and nearly turned the match on its head with an excellent break late on.

"It was a strange feeling after the game because we were sitting in the changing rooms and we felt we could have won it," he said.

"Those are the games you want to be involved in - going away to Wasps.

"They are one of the biggest clubs in the country, and we pushed them really hard. I felt we controlled the game for at least half of it."

Another to have benefited from Brown's presence is Trueman.

The centre has not been a regular for some time but has never let down his team-mates down when called upon.

He has also drawn warm praise from director of rugby John Brain.

"I think he has done very well," said Brain.

"He was given an opportunity because when we went to Northampton we really wanted to make sure we had a good attacking game and Gary is a very good attacking 12.

"I always feel he plays very well with James as well. They have got a good relationship at 10 and 12.

"But the other thing about Gary Trueman is he has got his heart and soul in this club. He has been here a long time and he is with us next year too.

"His future is staked firmly on the success on the pitch so he has got a vested interest to do as well as he can.

"I am glad to see in the last few games he has played pretty well."