DAVID Denton believes he is starting to get back to his “explosive” best as he bids to keep hold of Worcester Warriors’ number eight shirt.

The 27-year-old back rower has had a blighted by injuries over the past two seasons which has harmed his hopes of a return to the Scotland fold.

But after overcoming an ankle injury sustained in pre-season Denton has begun to make an impact at Warriors.

The forward made his seventh appearance of the campaign last Friday when he started in Worcester’s 18-14 defeat to Sale Sharks in the Aviva Premiership.

And the ex-Edinburgh and Bath ace said he felt he was showing signs of producing the sorts of performances which saw him gain international recognition.

“It is frustrating as you think you are going to come back and pick up exactly where you left off which for me was a year and a half ago,” Denton said.

“There are certain things that still frustrate me but I felt good out there against Sale.

“The game was very stop-start, but I felt like I was getting back to my old self.

“I felt more dominant with ball in hand and that’s something I feel like I have been missing particularly after I injured my hamstring.

“I have not felt as explosive as I used to be but last Friday I felt quick and explosive and that’s why I am looking forward to playing again.

“It’s a great mind-set to be in when you just finish a game and want to play again, so I am happy with the direction I am going in.”

Denton was also pleased to be back in his favoured number eight jersey after replacing the injured Gerrit-Jan van Velze.

“It’s where I have played my whole career and where I prefer to play,” he said.

“But I will cater to the team’s needs provided that’s not in the second row.

“Eight and six are fine for me.”

Warriors are expected to rest several of their first-team regulars for their European Challenge Cup double header with Oyonnax.

But Denton expressed his desire to retain his spot ahead of Saturday’s clash against the French outfit at Sixways (3pm).

“There are a lot of boys that have put in an unbelievable shift over the last three weeks,” Denton said.

“I know a few boys will be rested for at least one of the games and some of them won’t play in either and that’s well-deserved.

“But it is important for me to keep on getting game-time.

“I realise that in the last year and a half I have not played a lot of rugby.

“I have had a pretty rubbish stint of injuries and I am delighted to be at the back out there and for the time being I want to play as much rugby as I can.

“I understand the coaches have decisions to make in terms of which games the players play in.

“But I would quite like to play the first game against Oyonnax and then see what they want to do for the away game.”