TONY Windo returns to the city of his birth on Saturday determined to make up for lost time and get Worcester's season back on track.

The battle-hardened prop has played just 40 minutes of first-team rugby in a campaign blighted by back and shoulder injuries. But his expected comeback against former club Gloucester could not be more timely given Warriors have only seven games in which to secure their status as a Premiership club.

"I'm not a good watcher of the game and I'm probably not the nicest person to be around when I'm not playing," said Windo. "It will be nice to get out there and contribute to what we are trying to do.

"It has been a long frustrating year for me and I'm chomping at the bit to get out there."

To say Warriors have missed Windo is the understatement of the season. The one half of rugby he did manage to play - at Saracens in November - sparked a remarkable turnaround that culminated in the club's first Premiership win of the season.

Given his travails, Windo probably has less reason to feel responsible for Worcester's plight than most. But, according to captain Pat Sanderson, the club's precarious position in the table has pained the 37-year-old as much as anyone.

"Mentally he has been struggling a bit because he prides himself on his contribution and he feels like he hasn't contributed because he hasn't played," said Sanderson.

"He will be bouncing when he gets on the field at the weekend."

Sanderson may be skipper and chief motivator but composure is the quality most lacking in the team's play at the moment and that is where Windo's calming influence sh-ould prove invaluable.

His ability to defy conceived wisdom that a man two months short of his 38th birthday is too old to play top-flight rugby is clearly inspirational to Windo's comrades and the front-rower insists there is plenty more to come.

"I have been fortunate with injuries and with selection to get regular rugby and this lay-off has made me realise how much I will miss it when it does stop," he said.

"My enthusiasm for the game is probably as strong as it has been for four or five years. If wanted and, if the body holds together, I would love to carry on (after this season)."

Windo returns to Kingsholm every inch the Worcester legend but he is under no illusions about the size of the task facing his current club.

"I had a lot of good years at Gloucester and it is a great place to go and play rugby," he said. "It's a local derby and one of the big events in the rugby calender. They have always been close games and we are due to be on the right end of it.

"Gloucester are a very good side but the thing is the crowd. They tend to get behind their side and lift them, which is one thing we have managed to create at Worcester. We have got a tremendous support here and when they do get behind you and get vocal it does make a difference.

"I am sure the Worcester supporters who make the short journey down the M5 can make as much noise as they did last year.

"It is a club and a city challenge this weekend. The players on the field are going to try to take the bull by the horns but the people watching can play a big part in it as well.

"Hopefully we can get rid of a bit of that intimidation and take the game to them.

"Our defence has been awesome recently and so, if we can continue that and pose some threats in attack, hopefully we will get the result we are desperate for."

While it has been a trying season on the pitch for Windo, he is delighted to have been awarded a testimonial.

"It is a very humbling feeling when people want to contribute to something for you," he said. "I am finding that a massive, massive honour."