JOHN Brain believes Chris Horsman's inclusion for today's Sixways showdown would boost the whole Worcester squad.

The Warriors' director of rugby has been delighted with the tight-head's form this season as he became a big part of their revival in the second-half of the campaign.

Horsman has missed the last month of Worcester's season with a neck problem but the prop could be poised to make a dramatic comeback today as the Warriors welcome Northampton to Sixways for the relegation shoot-out.

"We'll make a late decision on Chris," said Brain. "Chris is a quality player so you are going to miss him if he's not there.

"However, if he is available to us then that would give all the players a big lift. He's a key player for us.

"We've shown, in the last few weeks, that we can play without him but to have him in the side would be a huge bonus.

"His physical, cardiovascular fitness isn't an issue. His strength isn't an issue and really it's just a medical risk assessment that we have to undertake before we finalise the selection."

Meanwhile, head coach Andy Keast has paid tribute to last Friday's heroes at Headingley.

Worcester drew 30-30 in the second leg of the European Shield to progress into the final of the competition next month.

And, with fringe first-team players drafted in to rest the big guns, Keast believes the squad spirit shone through.

"Duncan Roke and Gary Trueman were the outstanding players in the first-half especially," said Keast.

"Gary passed as well in that game as he has done all season. I thought his commitment to the cause was fantastic considering he had a rib injury.

"He knew by playing on Friday that he would rule himself out of today's game because of the injury. However, he was prepared to do that for the team."