WARRIORS director of rugby John Brain believes the best years of Chris Fortey are still ahead of him after the hooker signed a new two-year contract with the club.

The forward's deal was due to expire at the end of this season but he has extended his Sixways stay until the summer of 2009.

"Chris has performed consistently well for us," said Brain. "His line-out throwing has been of good quality and he is a good scrummager. He is 31 years old and he is going to have a couple of the best years of his career now.

"He has played a lot of rugby. It's very important we get someone who is dependable in that position. It's a good move for the club.

"Our line-out is a little bit more confident and composed when he is on the pitch. There are other physically stronger hookers around but Chris knows what he is doing in our scrum. We are delighted."

Fortey has not always been first-choice hooker since arriving from Gloucester in 2005 but he is an under-rated performer and a popular member of the dressing room.

He has impressed former England defence coach Phil Larder at Sixways and has seen off competition from Aleki Lutui and Ben Gotting.

"I don't think it was a hard decision for me," said Fortey, whose brother Lee is also a Worcester player. "We are not getting results at the moment but the camp is very upbeat. It is a great squad to be part of. The important thing for me is I am still enjoying my rugby very much."

Warriors face Bath on Saturday and could have number eight Drew Hickey, prop Darren Morris and full-back Shane Drahm back after injury.

Chris Horsman returned to Sixways yesterday to have his injured ankle assessed. If he is passed fit, the Welsh prop could feature against his former side on Saturday.

James Brown (back) and Tony Windo (rib) have responded well to treatment and should face Bath.

Worcester trio Miles Benjamin, Greg King and Matthew Cox all start for England Under 19s in Friday's clash with Wales at Aberavon (7.15pm). Matt Deacon is on the bench.