DIRECTOR of rugby Alan Solomons revealed centre Ryan Mills played with “pain” in Worcester Warriors’ 21-19 victory over Bath at Sixways.

Mills who has been a regular in Worcester’s midfield this season returned to training last Thursday after being ruled out of the visit to Saracens with a wrist injury.

But Solomons opted to stick with England international Ben Te’o at number 12 alongside outside centre Francois Venter after the pair impressed in the defeat at Sarries.

Mills then came off the bench to partner Te’o for the remaining 16 minutes of normal time and provided the assist for Bryce Heem’s last-gasp try.

“Millsy has come off (the back of) an injury so his wrist was not right,” Solomons said.

“He only started training later in the week.

“Ben can play 12 or 13 so you have got three good centres there and you have got Ollie (Lawrence) and Will Butler as well with Ash Beck out.

“I thought (Ben and Francois) did well (at Sarries) and Millsy was not able to train until Thursday so I was clear that this was the right selection for this game.”

Mills sustained a blow to his wrist in Warriors’ 32-6 loss to Northampton Saints late last month.

“They scanned it and there is a little bit of bone bruising which is very sore but you can’t do any further damage to it,” Solomons continued.

“He said to me that 'If I can’t do any further damage I am more than willing to play.

"He is a brave, strong boy. He had bone bruising, that’s it. It’s just painful so you have got to take the pain.”

Solomons was also pleased with the performance of Te’o after the 31-year-old made only his second start of the season for Warriors.

“I am happy with what we did with Ben,” Solomons said.

“He came off the back of three heavy Test matches (with England). We then gave him that break as he is not going to have another time for a break.

“He has come back, we have bled him into the side and I thought he did really well against Saracens and he did well again this weekend.

“He is putting it in for the team. He is a good bloke and a fine player.”