NEIL Lyman has been handed the chance to write his name in Worcester's Premiership history books.

The veteran prop is back in the Warriors' line-up six months after his last top-flight game following his sternum injury.

Injuries to Chris Horsman and Lee Fortey have pushed Lyman to the front of the queue and, despite still not being 100 per cent fit, the 34-year-old is prepared to play through the pain barrier.

Worcester travel to Newcastle on Sunday for a crucial Premiership clash and Sixways' director of rugby John Brain believes Lyman is up for the challenge.

"Neil's had a very frustrating season because of his injury," said Brain. "So, I think he's very keen to play a part in a crucial part of the season.

"He's waited a long time to play in the Premiership and he's not really had chance to do that so far.

"Nobody is going to pretend that Neil's going into the game 100 per cent fit but he's prepared to play through the pain. It's an opportunity for him to write his name in the history books of Worcester in our Premiership season.

"Obviously, the front row is a concern for us after losing Chris Horsman and Lee Fortey. However, I still believe a front row of Tony Windo, Andre Van Niekerk and Neil Lyman is a formidable one."

Newcastle have major problems up front with their director of rugby Rob Andrew declaring they were down to one fit prop following their hammering by Stade Francais on Saturday.

And after their last two games ended up with uncontested scrums because of injuries to their props, Brain is expecting more of the same from Andrew's men.

"I think it's a likely occurrence on Sunday," he added. "That's a concern for us because we like a contest in the scrum.

"It's something that we have planned for, however, so it won't take us by surprise."

Worcester will be without lock Tim Collier, who will have an operation on his ankle tomorrow, so Phil Murphy comes into the second row.

Academy youngster Richard Blaze is called up into the squad for the first time this season to cover Murphy and Craig Gillies, while a late decision will be made tomorrow on the make-up of the bench.

Team: Delport; Pieters, Rasmussen, Lombard, Hinshelwood; Brown, Powell; Windo, Van Niekerk, Lyman, Murphy, Gillies, Vaili, Sanderson, Hickey.

Replacements (from): Sparks, Blaze, Daly, MacLeod-Henderson, Mason, Cole, Hayes, Trueman, O'Leary.