LOCK Will Spencer says he hopes to be involved in the European Challenge Cup campaign as he believes it can provide a “springboard” for Worcester Warriors.

The Sixways side are likely to rest some of their front-line Aviva Premiership players for Saturday’s home clash against French outfit Brive (3pm).

But Spencer is keen to retain his place as he looks to sharpen up his game after coming back from injury.

The 25-year-old was ruled out for three weeks after suffering a blow to his ankle in Warriors’ opening-day 35-8 defeat at Newcastle Falcons last month.

Spencer returned to action in the 25-3 loss to Saracens before producing a man-of-the-match display in the 29-13 reverse at Bath last Saturday.

And he said he was now champing at the bit to throw himself into the cup ties against Brive and Connacht in Ireland the following Saturday.

“I don’t know what the plans are (in terms of team selection),” Spencer said.

“But having not played as much as the other guys I am more than happy to get out there and try to keep my match fitness up, so I will be ready to roll for when the Premiership come backs.

“I had some really good times in the competition last year.

“I remember the away trip to Brive which was good fun with the boys.

“It is good to spend time with each other outside this environment.

“The travelling can be boring, but sometimes it can be good fun with the guys and hopefully we can come back after the European block having had two good wins, two good performances and be almost rejuvenated going into the next round of Premiership fixtures.”

Worcester languish at the foot of the table, five points adrift of safety, after six successive defeats.

But Spencer reckons going into a different competition this weekend will help the team from a mental point of view.

Brive sit at the bottom of the French Top 14 standings after losing six of their opening seven matches.

“You can use it as a springboard,” said Spencer who is aiming to return to the England fold after getting his taste of playing under Eddie Jones in a friendly against the Barbarians at Twickenham in May.

“This first block of the Premiership hasn’t gone well for us.

“Hopefully we can turn that run around, so it is good to have a break from it, get mentally refreshed and go out there and put in two really good performances in Europe and get some good work on the training pitch done as well.

“There are guys who have played a lot of rugby in the league games so it would be good to let them rest up and then hit the ground running when the Premiership comes around again.

“We know how long the season is.

“We are only six games in and there is still a lot to come from us, so we will keep going.”