THE shackles are off Shane Drahm and the Guinness Premiership better watch out because the enigmatic fly-half is planning to conduct the Warriors from his favourite position.

Under John Brain's regime, the Aussie-born play-maker's obvious talents were frequently suppressed as the then director of rugby insisted on employing a forward-orientated gameplan.

Drahm even switched to playing at full-back on occasions last season in an effort to bring an extra ball-player into the side, but he has now been restored to the number 10 jersey and is looking to make up for lost time.

New Sixways chief Mike Ruddock has given Drahm carte blanche to showcase his footballing talents as he looks to bring an expansive style to the Warriors game.

Drahm said: "Now Mike has arrived, we're going to play a much more expansive game, which I'm very happy about.

"Over the last couple of years, the back play has been taken away from us to the point it was almost non-existent.

"So, from a ten's point of view - and the backline as a whole - we're very excited coming into the season as we'll get to play a bit more.

"I prefer to play at 10, but I was asked to play at full-back last year to provide another ball-player. I'd never say no from the team's point of view, but, speaking to Mike, we have decided for me to go back to 10 which I'm very happy about."

Without confirming that Drahm will start tomorrow's clash with Bath, Ruddock's praise for the three-quarter underlines how big a part he plans him to play this year.

Ruddock said: "If Shane does play, then he can give us the direction and control we need. He is also a dynamic runner, while his passing and decision-making are very good too. If he gets the spot, I would expect him to show these qualities.

"Shane is originally from Australia where he would have played a more expansive game and, because of that, he is a very talented footballer.

"Shane is definitely in contention at number 10, but James Brown is back to full fitness and he has put himslef in the mix too.

"Also, Joey Carlisle did fantastically well against London Irish which was a huge positive for us. He still has a lot of work to do, but at 19 he has a big future with us. It is a nice selection headache to have."

With the injury problems that have plagued him in recent years now hopefully behind him, Drahm is also ready to hit the ground running.

He added: "I've had a good pre-season - my first full one since I've been at Worcester - and I feel so much better for it. My fitness levels are much higher than they have been for the last two seasons, as are my strength levels.

"The general fitness levels in the squad look much better and if we're going to play a wider game at a higher tempo, we're going to need that.

"Also, more competition for places in the squad can only be a good thing. There are some quality players joining the club and the youngsters - such as Chris Pennell and Miles Benjamin -have really stepped up too.

"I think relegation battles will be a thing of the past here now."