AT THE beginning of last season Dean Schofield was widely tipped to be the man to help Worcester Warriors achieve their lofty ambitions.
His much-anticipated arrival from French giants RC Toulon was quickly followed by head coach Richard Hill handing the experienced lock the captaincy as he went on to make 30 appearances in his debut campaign.
However, 18 months on from his summer switch to Sixways, Schofield is now struggling to string back-to-back games together at Warriors.
James Percival and Mariano Galarza appear to be director of rugby Dean Ryan’s preferred second row partnership, while promising lock Mike Williams seems to have also leapfrogged the 34-year-old in the pecking order.
But the former Sale Sharks skipper, who has made just six appearances in the Aviva Premiership this season, said he was refusing to wallow in self-pity and he insisted he was still ready and raring to go when called upon.
“Maybe I have not been in this position before, but it is not a problem for me,” he said. “I am super professional as I am in the morning’s, I keep fit and I am ready to play when they want me.
“I have got a great relationship with Hoggy (Carl Hogg), Dean (Ryan), Crossy (Simon Cross) and Shane (Howarth) as they are all top blokes.
“I am not going to cry a river because I am not playing. I am here ready to play and they know that.”
Although refusing to comment on his future, the former England international said he has been impressed by Ryan and the board’s long-term vision.
“I knew there was something missing last year, but I never knew what it exactly. But since Dean has come in he has highlighted it,” Schofield added.
“We are now looking to bring in and mould the younger lads into the overall structure which is the way to go. I think Worcester needs that as a club.
“Dean has got a long-term goal and I believe that is the right direction for this place.”