INFLUENTIAL centre Ryan Mills is expected to line up against his former club when Worcester Warriors travel down the M5 to face Gloucester on Friday night (7.45pm).

Mills has returned to training this week after overcoming a hamstring issue, but doubts remain over the fitness of fellow centre Ollie Lawrence (ankle).

The midfield duo starred in Warriors’ European Challenge Cup victory over Dragons before missing the reverse fixture that ended in defeat last Friday due to injury.

Mills is now poised to come straight back into the side where he is likely to team up with former Wales international Ashley Beck at Kingsholm.

And director of rugby Alan Solomons believes the ex-Gloucester man can make a “big difference” as fourth-placed Warriors eye a fourth Gallagher Premiership victory in six matches.

“Millsy is doing well,” Solomons said.

“He is taking part in practice this week so that’s been a positive.

“Ollie’s ankle is still worrying him a little bit so we will look at it and decide what we do this week.

“Millsy is a very tough man so he is back in training and that’s great as he makes a big difference to everything.

“(The issue) was right at the top of his hamstring and there may have been some nerve involvement which was why I thought it was a back problem as it often stems from there.

“I am not an expert, but it seems to be better and he is certainly able to move freely at the moment.

“Millsy has been at the club for a long time and made a huge contribution so having him involved on the weekend will be fantastic.”

Warriors were also boosted by the return of Marco Mama who ended a six-week injury lay-off to play in Worcester Cavaliers’ 75-21 thrashing of Wasps A at Sixways on Monday.

The back-rower started the Premiership Shield match before making way at half-time.

And Solomons said Mama would now be rested before coming back into the selection mix ahead of Warriors’ home clash with London Irish on December 28.

“Friday night will be too soon for him for a number of reasons,” Solomons said.

“Even the (Cavaliers) game (at Gloucester) on Saturday will be too soon as well.

“After an injury like that and a short turnaround it is advised not to play again this week.

“He will come into consideration for (London Irish) the following week.

“But he needed that game-time on Monday night.

“He had 40 minutes and I thought he did really well.

“But he hasn’t played for a while and has taken some knocks on that leg.

“He will be a bit bruised and battered but it is good that he came through.

“He came back a little bit quicker (than anticipated) as he was very keen to get back at it.”