CHRIS Pennell looks poised to make his eagerly-awaited first appearance of the season when Worcester Warriors face Russian outfit Enisei-STM on Saturday.

The full-back is expected to set off with the squad on Thursday ahead of the European Challenge Cup opener after “getting his sharpness back” in training.

Pennell, who has been capped once by England, made 23 appearance last season, scoring two tries.

But the 29-year-old has been a spectator this term after going under the knife to repair a persistent neck problem in the summer.

Backs coach Sam Vesty, who will oversee the side in this season’s European competition, says they have yet to name the team who will travel.

But he revealed Pennell “was not far off” returning to full fitness as he aims to get himself back into the first team reckoning for the Aviva Premiership.

“It has been good to have him in training for the last couple of weeks,” Vesty said.

“He is getting his sharpness back that we have seen from him in the past few years, so I am really looking forward to when he does come back on the field as he is looking good in training.”

The Challenge Cup is set to provide the Sixways side’s fringe players and promising youngsters the chance to stake their claim for a regular spot.

Head coach Carl Hogg was hopeful of seeing centre Ryan Mills, who has been side-lined with a troublesome groin problem, in action against Enisei-STM and Brive at Sixways the following Saturday (3pm).

However, Vesty said the 24-year-old was still “with the medics” and he admitted he “did not have a time-frame” for him.