ANDY Keast has launched a staunch defence of James Brown after the fly-half was singled out for criticism.

The Worcester Warriors head coach has been disappointed with the reaction of some supporters to Brown's display in the 26-22 defeat to Bath on Saturday and rallied around the former London Irish man before tomorrow's trip to Sale.

Brown was blamed by a number of fans for both of Bath's tries at Sixways but Keast is refusing to criticise his main man at number 10.

"People have called for the guillotine for James and it's just a complete overreaction from supporters," said Keast.

"They've been calling for him to be axed after one poor call against Bath. However, they forget that James, in our opening two games against Newcastle and Saracens, has made some good decisions.

"We're not in the business of cutting him off at the knees because he made a mistake. James Brown has put a lot of work in pre-season and was a key player for us last year. He has our trust.

"The reaction to James has been totally over the top and, as far as I and John Brain are concerned, we're fully behind him."

Brain, Worcester's director of rugby, believes that Keast's style of coaching will always add an element of risk to the game-plan. "People have to remember that, the way Andy coaches, he asks players to exercise judgement on the field," said Brain.

"He doesn't ask them to play like robots. Occasionally, players exercise judgements incorrectly but that doesn't change the way we manage players. On Saturday, some people wanted to condemn James on the basis of one pass which is a nonsense."

Brown will take his place in Worcester's side to face Sale at Edgeley Park tomorrow night (7.45pm) and Brain is under no illusion of just how tough their task is against one of the Premiership's form sides.

"They've got quality right throughout the team," he said. "We're looking forward to the challenge, however. I'd much rather be going to Sale than a trip to the County Ground in Devon!"

Worcester: Delport; O'Leary, Hinshelwood, Trueman, Lombard; Brown, Cole; Windo, Daly, Noon, Collier, Murphy, Hickey, Sanderson, MacLeod-Henderson. Reps: Fortey, Van Niekerk, Greeff, Gillies, Powell, Gollings, Roke.