JOHN Brain has reacted to speculation linking Clive Stuart-Smith away from Sixways by handing him an 'A' team chance.

The frustrated scrum-half, who has started just one Premiership game since his summer arrival from Leeds, is expected to start against Northampton at Sixways tonight (7.30pm).

Weekend reports had suggested that the former England hope was looking to move away from Worcester because of his lack of action but Brain believes Stuart-Smith isn't ready to throw in the towel just yet.

"He's got the bit between his teeth, he's itching for a game and he's working hard and training well," said Brain, Worcester's director of rugby.

Stuart-Smith was recently dropped from England's elite list of players but Brain is confident that the former under-21 skipper is focused on his Sixways career.

"We know that there are another couple of clubs interested in Clive but he's got another year left on his contract at Worcester and we want to see him develop here."

Worcester travel to Gloucester on Saturday but Stuart-Smith may yet struggle to dislodge Matt Powell, even if he impresses tonight.

Duncan Roke looks set to start at full-back, while Uche Oduoza should play out wide. Jon Higgins has picked up a calf injury, while playing on loan for Coventry so Sam Robinson could start at fly-half. Lee Fortey, Tom Warren, James Percival and Saosi Vaili are also expected to start.