PROMISING prop Gareth Milasinovich is more than capable of stepping into the breach while Nick Schonert recovers from injury.

That’s the view of Ethan Waller who is expected to pack down with Milasinovich in Worcester Warriors’ battle with Bath at Sixways tomorrow (7.45pm).

Tighthead Schonert has been ruled out for about six weeks with an ankle injury sustained in Worcester’s win over London Irish last month.

Waller admitted it was a “massive” blow to lose the 26-year-old who has established himself as a vital cog in Warriors’ scrum.

But the loosehead believes Milasinovich can fill the void having started in the Sixways side’s 46-31 defeat at Saracens last Saturday.

“Sharkey is a really good player so we are losing an exceptional scrummager,” Waller said.

“But at the same time Gareth has been champing at the bit to get a go.

“I thought he performed well all around the park and in the set piece last weekend.

“He has massive potential and has an opportunity now while Sharkey is out injured to stake his claim for that shirt.

“I back him to perform.”

South African-born Milasinovich has made 16 appearances for Warriors this season, with 10 of them coming in the Premiership.

But the 25-year-old faces competition from Simon Kerrod and Biyi Alo.

“Gareth went up against a very experienced pack who are European champions last weekend and he more than fronted up against them,” Waller said.

“When I came here I was not massively aware of the pecking order.

“We have got Biyi, Sharkey, Gareth and Simon so we are not lacking in terms of depth at tighthead and I am looking forward to playing with Gareth again.”