GIANT prop Gareth Milasinovich admits fears of suffering another injury setback no longer linger at the back of his mind as he continues to grow in confidence.

The injury-free front rower who turns 26 on Saturday has recently achieved a half century of appearances for Worcester Warriors – a landmark that appeared a long way off after 12 months on the sidelines.

South African-born Milasinovich joined Warriors’ academy in 2015 and soon made his presence felt in the Premiership as he made his top-flight debut in December that year.

But disaster struck in April 2016 when he was stretchered off in a clash at Exeter Chiefs after rupturing his Achilles tendon.

This was then followed by a further injury in blow when he dislocated a big toe in training.

But since returning to action in April 2017 Milasinovich has not looked back as he ran out for his 50th appearance in Warriors’ league defeat at Gloucester earlier this month.

“To get to the 50-mark is amazing especially considering I had a year out through injury,” Milasinovich said.

“It was a very tough time, but I am glad I got through it.

“It was great for me to go injury-free last season and touchwood this season has been good for me as well so far so hopefully I can keep that going.

“The game is getting quicker, more physical and a lot more demanding on your body so more injuries do occur so I have been very fortunate and long may that continue.”

Milasinovich who weighs 21 stone and stands at 6ft 3in said playing regular rugby had helped him to fine tune his game.

“I have gradually gained more confidence as I’ve gone on,” Milasinovich said.

“I’ve slowly started to forget about previous injuries and focused more on my game.

“Whenever you come back from two serious injuries like I have it is always going to be in the back of your mind initially.

“But as time goes on you completely forget about it.”

The majority of Milasinovich’s outings for Warriors have come from the bench as he has played understudy to England prospect Nick Schonert.

But having had his injury struggles Milasinovich who became English qualified in June said he was happy to play a regular role in the matchday squad.

“It would be fantastic to get a few more starts,” Milasinovich said.

“But as long as I can get in the 23 hopefully I can keep pushing to get more game-time.

“It is great to be playing rugby week in week out.

“At the end of the day you got to put the team first.

“That’s what I have got to continue to do and hopefully my chance will come.”

Milasinovich also has the ability to switch to the opposite side of the front row.

But with Jack Cosgrove arriving to bolster Warriors’ loosehead options Milasinovich says he is concentrating on competing for the number three shirt.

“I would say that I am more regarded as a tighthead now,” Milasinovich added.

“We have got some really good looseheads at the moment so there is no need for me there.

“Hopefully I can just keep on improving my skills as a tighthead.”