IT will be difficult to ignore Dean Hammond when it comes to selecting a side to face Northampton Saints at Sixways in the Aviva Premiership on Saturday (1pm).

That’s the view of Worcester Warriors backs coach Sam Vesty who described the potent wing’s finishing skills as “incredible”.

Hammond strengthened his case for a regular starting jersey with a hat-trick in Warriors’ 45-37 defeat at Harlequins in the Anglo-Welsh Cup on Sunday.

The treble increased the 25-year-old’s try-count to six in seven appearances this season.

He was named the club’s player of the month for October after crossing the whitewash at Bath and bagging a double in the league meeting with Quins.

Despite his scoring ratio, Hammond has made just two starts in the Premiership but Vesty believes he will be in the reckoning for the game against Saints.

“Deano is really on form,” Vesty said.

“After scoring five tries in two games at The Stoop, there are rumours they are going to put a plaque in the corner for him, called ‘Hammond’s corner’!

“But it’s really good to see a guy who puts everything out there every single week do so well. His finishing is incredible and he is an excellent player.

“We have got a lot of depth in that area but you can’t ignore a guy that goes and scores that many tries at The Stoop.”

Full-back Ben Howard marked his first appearance of the season with a try and an assist in an impressive showing.

Eighteen-year-old centre Ollie Lawrence also made another impact off the bench after replacing Alex Hearle four minutes into the second half.

“Ben looked good and I am glad to see him back,” Vesty said.

“He has been out for a little while but it looked like he was playing with a lot of confidence.

“I am really chuffed for Ollie. He has got bags of talent and he’s tough as well.

“He ran really hard at Jamie Roberts and got a welcome to men’s rugby but he got straight back up and did very well.”

New signing Kurt Haupt is set to miss the clash against Saints after the hooker failed a head injury assessment at Quins.

There were also concerns for lock Pierce Phillips after he was replaced at half-time but Vesty admitted it was a “tactical” substitution.

Basement boys Warriors are looking to end a run of seven straight defeats in the league but Vesty felt his side were playing with more confidence.

“We have been performing well over the last three or four weeks which should give us some confidence to take into that Northampton game,” Vesty added.

“We all know it is a big game but we are really looking forward to it.

“We have had a couple of really good weeks in training and the boys are confident at the moment.

“We just need to concentrate on our performances and the wins will come.”