ALAN Solomons suggests players will be given the chance to impress over the next two weeks as Worcester turn their attentions to the European Challenge Cup for the next fortnight.

Warriors make the trip to the French South-West on Saturday for their round one clash with Top 14 outfit Section Paloise (Pau) before a Sixways 'under the lights' clash with Welsh side Ospreys next Saturday.

The format for this year's second-tier European competition is different from usual and takes the shape of a 'league' system with each team being drawn to play two other sides home and away.

Solomons emphasises the importance of giving the whole squad game time in a season where 'A' league games and Premiership Cup fixtures have been put on hold.

"I think there will be an element of change," he said.

"I think at the moment, everyone has to bare in mind that we aren’t having A league games or premiership cup games and the championship isn’t running so we don’t have the chance to send anyone out on loan and getting game time.

"So we have to look at that, you have to make sure everyone is ticking over nicely because with the numbers of matches being played, they'll be used at some point."

The director of rugby expects a challenging fixture this weekend and regardless of the team he puts out, he says the team are excited for the trip.

"It’s always a great challenge to go to France and play," said Solomons.

"Pau are a tough Top 14 side and even though they’ve lost a few, they have lost by small margins so they are a very good team but everyone is buzzing and looking forward to going over."

Solomons confirmed that Will Butler and Ed Fidow are back in full training and hinted they would both be involved at some stage over the next two weeks.

The injured trio of Graham Kitchener, Marco Mama and Matt Kvesic are all progressing well but Solomons said they were "unlikely" to be involved in this two-week period and hopes they will be fit for when Warriors return to Premiership action at Northampton Saints on Boxing Day.