WORCESTER Warriors will “embrace” and “relish” Sunday’s “relegation scrap” against Bristol, insists fit-again full-back Chris Pennell.

The former England international says Warriors’ players will not “hide away” from the “scale” of the showdown at a packed Sixways (3pm).

Warriors are second-from-bottom in the Aviva Premiership, just two points better off than basement boys Bristol with six matches remaining.

“We have to embrace it and relish it. It’s a huge game and everyone wants to play in big games,” said Pennell, who has just returned to action after two months on the sidelines.

“They differ from playing for trophies and a game like this is a fairly clear relegation scrap.

“We are looking forward it and the challenge and to laying down a marker at home.”

Pennell, 29, came on as a second-half replacement in Warriors’ 24-14 defeat at Northampton Saints last Saturday after overcoming a long-standing heel problem.

It was Pennell’s first appearance since Warriors’ dismal 28-20 defeat at Bristol on Boxing Day which saw the hosts come out on top despite playing with 14 men for 66 minutes.

Pennell took over the kicking duties at Ashton Gate after Jamie Shillcock left the pitch with concussion following Tusi Pisi’s red-card challenge on the teenager.

“It was a bit of a surprise on the day (to have the kicking duties) but I always keep my goal-kicking ticking over and it’s something I enjoy and I am confident at doing,” said Pennell.

“If I am needed and called upon, I am ready to step up.

“We have some superb kickers in our side and as long as those boys are firing and on the field then it’s their job to keep the scoreboard ticking over.

“If I get called upon, I am more than happy to try to do the same.”

Pennell believes Warriors are in a “much better spot” since former South Africa assistant coach Gary Gold arrived at Sixways as the director of rugby last month.

“He’s been superb and has brought in some real clarity and direction and he’s got the guys fighting,” said Pennell.

“We are scrapping in the week for selection and we’re training harder than we ever have before and we’re starting to see the rewards on the weekend.

“It started with a good result against Saracens and a bonus-point try (defeat) against Exeter Chiefs but going into Bristol we need to work hard and Gary will push us even harder.”

Pennell was a hero for Warriors when the clubs met at Sixways in a pulsating Championship final second leg in May 2015.

A last-gasp try from Pennell, converted by Ryan Lamb, helped Warriors fight back from 30-16 down with nine minutes remaining to pip Bristol in the two-legged final 59-58.

“I have watched it back but not recently but it was obviously a really good moment in my career personally,” said Pennell.

“I probably won’t be watching it this week. It’s there on YouTube if I ever feel the need.”

Pennell says he is “desperate” to be involved in this weekend’s do-or-die battle.

“These matches are why you play the game and big matches come in different forms,” said Pennell.

“We are looking forward to it and I am desperate to be involved."

He added: “We have to go in confident. We have a job to do and we are not going to hide away from the scale of the event and the situation.”