“FINISHER” Ed Fidow is in the frame to make his long-awaited Worcester Warriors debut when they visit Harlequins in the Gallagher Premiership on Saturday (3pm).

The Samoan speedster joined Warriors this summer and spent four weeks training with the squad before representing his country in the Rugby World Cup.

Since returning to Sixways last month Fidow has been given extra time to get up to speed with the club’s defensive systems.

But with Chris Pennell’s leg injury set to lead to a back-three reshuffle Fidow could be handed a chance to impress on the wing.

“Ed definitely comes into consideration this week,” said director of rugby Alan Solomons.

“He has had Test match rugby under his belt, played at a World Cup and had two weeks to become acclimatised with us.

“He is pretty swift, enthusiastic and a finisher.

“It is difficult to equate him (to anyone else) as I have got to see him play in a match.

“But he has got good physical strength, pace and a good idea where the try-line is.”

Pennell suffered a “deep cut” to his leg in Warriors’ 24-20 defeat to Exeter Chiefs at Sixways last Sunday.

His injury has also created an opening at full-back and Solomons said Melani Nanai, Perry Humphreys, Jamie Shillcock and Jono Lance were all in the mix to replace him.

“There are guys that have played there like Melani, Pezza, Shilly and Jono so there are plenty of options,” Solomons said.

“Scotty (van Breda) can also play there but is away this weekend (on loan) with Southern Kings.”

Nanai is a strong alternative for Solomons having starred in the number 15 jersey with Blues in Super Rugby before moving to Warriors.

But Solomons primarily sees the 26-year-old as a winger and he is expected to remain on the flank for Worcester’s clash with Quins.

“We have to work out what is best for the team — I think that’s the important thing,” Solomons said.

“Melani is a winger that was moved to full-back in his last season at the Blues. But he can certainly play there.”

Nanai has yet to register a try after five games for Warriors but Solomons has been impressed by his progress.

“He has played better in each game,” Solomons said.

“I thought the weekend was his best game. Defensively he was very good which was really pleasing.

“We didn’t have a lot of ball in that game as we had 34 per cent possession.

“But he will get there. He is a very good footballer. You need time in the saddle.

“There is a big difference between Super Rugby and the Premiership.”

Solomons said Warriors’ loss to Exeter was “tough to take” and he anticipates another stern test at Quins who were thrashed 40-22 at Northampton Saints last week.

“We played with tremendous heart and commitment and our defence was outstanding in that Exeter game,” Solomons said.

“It was a game that we should have won against the number two side in England so you have to take the lessons from it and move forward.

“We have closed the page on that game and are moving on to Harlequins.

“That will be a massive challenge because they are at home and come off a game that didn’t really work for them at Northampton.

“They will be super motivated and I would imagine that Danny Care and Mike Brown would be back.

“They are big players for them so it is going to be tough.”