ANDY Keast has told his players not to get caught up in Wilko fever.

The Worcester Warriors head coach is focusing on his own side as they count down to tomorrow's Zurich Premiership clash with Newcastle Falcons at Sixways (3.30pm).

With much of the media attention surrounding Jonny Wilkinson's return to Premiership action, the fly half is bound to be the centre of attention in Sunday's game which will be screened live on television.

However, Keast is refusing to get involved in the Wilkinson factor.

"Jonny Wilkinson is a small factor in the whole picture," said Keast. "If we worry too much about Jonny then our focus won't be right. We're focused on Newcastle as a team, not just Jonny."

Keast believes the pressure will be heaped on the visitors as they arrive at Sixways with many pundits expecting them to take the Premiership title this season.

"I suppose the pressure will be on them when Sunday comes," added Keast. "They are a Premiership team who have advanced with their summer signings with people like Colin Charvis and Matt Burke.

"They have wonderful players at Newcastle, quality throughout the team and squad.

"I think it would be a surprise to most of the Premiership if we ended up winning. We have to be underdogs because we are the new boys in the Premiership."

Despite that, however, Keast is hoping that his side go out and enjoy the occasion at Sixways.

"I don't think they'll freeze on the day," he said. "I hope they'll go the other way, absorb the atmosphere and enjoy the match.

"We believe in our players and our squad have to believe in themselves as they go into a new league. The rest will come and when teams win, that's when confidence comes."

Keast is asking the Sixways supporters to play their part in history by roaring the Warriors to victory.

"They have a massive part to play," he said. "We want to hear plenty of noise because it makes such a difference to the players and underlines the home advantage.

"It will be the first time I've seen Sixways with more than 8,000 people inside and it should be some occasion for the fans"