WORCESTER Warriors legend Tony Windo reckons unattached loosehead prop Matt Mullan would consider a return to Sixways.

Mullan is a product of Warriors’ academy and made more than 100 appearances in blue and gold before joining Wasps in 2013.

But the 31-year-old, who has been sidelined since undergoing knee surgery last May, is now a free agent after being released by the Midlands club.

Former long-serving prop Windo is a big admirer of Mullan’s talents having coached him at Worcester.

Windo is currently director of rugby at Bromsgrove School where Mullan’s father Paul and brother Liam work.

The 49-year-old revealed he spoke to Mullan last week and said the 17-cap England international was “training as hard as he ever has” to get back to full fitness.

Although he was unsure whether Mullan was in the market for a new club Windo said it would be “awesome” if the front rower got the chance to play for Warriors again.

“Having come through the academy and been a good servant to Worcester I am sure it would be something that would appeal to Matt,” said Windo on the possibility of Mullan coming back to Warriors.

“Due to the physicality of the professional game injuries are inevitable but it’s just about how you recover and get over them.

“I saw Matt last week as he came down and watched the school and he looked in very good condition.

“Speaking to him briefly he said he was training as hard as he ever has.

“Sometimes a break can do you good and you can get that enthusiasm back for everything.”

Asked whether Mullan was looking for a new team, Windo said: “To be honest I didn’t have that conversation with him.

“But he is just getting himself as fit as he can and seeing what comes along.”

Mullan made his senior debut for Warriors in December 2005 before coming to prominence in the 2007-08 season when he made 25 outings.

Following his departure at the end of the 2012-13 campaign Mullan went on to become a regular in Wasps’ front row and added to his one England cap achieved while at Warriors.

“I saw him coming through the academy while I was still playing and he was always going to be the next generation,” said Windo who made 222 appearances for Worcester.

“To be fair to Matt he fulfilled his potential and was very good for Worcester and England.

“He is very good technically but has also probably got one of the best aerobic capacities I have known for a prop.

“The amount of tackles he makes and rucks he hits in a game is incredible for somebody who puts so much effort into the set-piece as well.”

Last summer saw prop Callum Black, 32, rejoin Warriors and director of rugby Alan Solomons has stressed the importance of retaining homegrown talent.

“If someone has got a long-term relationship with a club it counts for an awful lot. You can’t put a price on it,” Windo added.

“Callum is a good example.

“In the games I have watched him play in this year he has been very good.

“Callum was in the academy at the same time as Matt which goes to prove a point.

“Worcester have started to turn a corner.

“They have put in some decent performances and I think things are definitely going in the right direction for them.”