WING Perry Humphreys is expected to shake off an ankle injury in time for Worcester Warriors’ crucial clash at Dragons on Friday (8pm).

The potent finisher was due to play in Saturday’s European Challenge Cup match against the Welsh outfit only to suffer a knock in training.

But director of rugby Alan Solomons is optimistic Humphreys, who is currently joint top try-scorer in the Gallagher Premiership, will be fit to play at Rodney Parade.

Warriors ended leaders Dragons’ 100 per cent record in the competition with a bonus-point 34-28 victory at Sixways and cut the gap at the top of Pool One to one point.

“Perry should be fine for this week,” said Solomons.

“We will have a review on Saturday's game and see where are.

“We have got to look at the bumps and bruises that everyone has taken and look at what we do in terms of our selection.

“But as there is a six-day turnaround we will be looking at quite a lot of rotation.

“Tom Howe had his brother’s wedding and Pezza did his ankle and wasn’t 100 per cent right so he couldn’t play.

“Dean Hammond is still out and Will Butler and Alex Hearle are out as well so we were a few men down.”

With Humphreys ruled out, Chris Pennell filled in at wing, allowing debutant Noah Heward to remain in his natural position at full-back.

But Pennell suffered a blow to his head when tackling Aaron Wainwright on 13 minutes.

“He had a HIA (head injury assessment) which he didn’t pass so he is going to have to go through the (concussion) protocol,” Solomons said.

“Penns is such a good man. He said he would go on the wing so Noah could play at full-back which is his preferred position.”

Heward, 19, marked his senior debut with a try on 65 minutes in a man-of-the-match showing.

“I thought Noah was splendid,” Solomons said.

“He was playing in his first game so it was quite a big occasion for him.

“A full-back can normally go to the wing without a problem. But it was good for him to start in his accustomed position.

“He is a good player and is going to have a good future.”

Solomons said Redditch-born Heward was one of 23 English-qualified players (EQP) in Warriors’ match-day squad against Dragons.

“The EQP is a factor but using the opportunity to rotate will give all the lads a chance to play as well,” Solomons added.

“That’s healthy and was fantastic exposure for a guy like Noah.

“We had Millsy (Ryan Mills) and GJ (van Velze) there so we had some experience out on the field with them. Matt Moulds has also played a lot of games for the Blues.

“But it was a great opportunity for our youngsters to get game-time against a good outfit and in front of a crowd here at Sixways.”