Scrum-half Charlie Mulchrone will skipper Worcester Warriors against Gloucester in European Challenge Cup at Sixways

The former Rotherham captain also takes over the number nine jersey from Jean-Baptiste Bruzulier for Warriors’ must-win pool four clash.

Centre Andy Symons is expected to make a return after seven months out through injury and academy prop Gareth Milasinovich looks set to start.

Centre Alex Grove and wing Tom Biggs are likely to be involved for Warriors, with academy prop Mike Daniels on the bench.

Warriors won their group opener 19-3 against La Rochelle but then lost 27-8 in Italy against Zebre, while Gloucester have triumphed in their first two matches.

“I think this has become a pivotal fixture in the group,” said Warriors head coach Carl Hogg.

“Thursday night is a local derby and that always adds a bit of spice whether it in the Premiership or in the European Challenge Cup.

“We have played reasonably well at Sixways and we now have to try to nail a performance over 80 minutes, although the opposition will rank up there in terms of a Premiership team.

“Gloucester have kept some of their Premiership players involved in the European Challenge Cup.

“They are defending it from last year and that all adds to the challenge on Thursday.”

Warriors will be giving more of their fringe players a chance.

Hogg said: "Charlie Mulchrone will come in and captain the side from nine, which is great.

“Charlie brings in heaps of energy and is a player who is sat behind Jonny Arr and itching to get out there and prove he can deliver at this level.

“JB (Bruzulier) played last week for the Cavaliers at Newcastle Falcons but we are going to give Charlie an opportunity because it’s important to balance things over the season.

“We have trained really well off the back of a frustrating weekend.

"It was a missed opportunity to lose 29-20 against Leicester Tigers but the players have trained well and are raring to go.”

Hogg, a former Gloucester coach, says Warriors will be fielding a similar squad to the one which made a slow start in their disappointing defeat at Zebre last month.

“We will have one or two players returning from injury but it’s an opportunity and a chance for those who haven’t had a huge amount of Premiership game-time to stick their hands up,” said Hogg.

“Guys like Andy Symons are now knocking on the door and there are one or two others coming back on the fringes, as well as one or two of the younger players knocking on the door.

“Andy is looking fit and sharp and is looking forward to getting back out on Thursday.”

Hogg has stressed the importance of Warriors toppling their rivals in the M5 derby.

“You have to win your home games in cup competitions," said Hogg.

"Gloucester have travelled pretty well in this competition so I am sure they will be reasonably confident. But we know the challenges that lie in front of us and it’s one we are relishing.”