BEN SKIRVING will make his first start of the season for Saracens against Bath on Sunday, October 15 (3pm kick-off).

The number eight made a try-scoring return in a friendly match at Cambridge University on Monday (October 9) and his display was enough to convince Alan Gaffney to plunge him straight back into first team action after a lengthy lay-off through injury.

Skirving suffered medial ligament damage to his knee in pre-season training but has now battled back to full fitness.

Dan Scarbrough, Hugh Vyvyan, Matt Cairns and Kevin Yates are also restored to the starting line-up.

With Tom Mercey and Ben Broster ruled out through injury, Aaron Liffchak gets the nod as the replacement prop over Nick Lloyd with his ability to play at tight-head. Paul Gustard, Kris Chesney and Shane Byrne are also on the replacements bench after starting against Cardiff Blues.

However, there is no place for Andy Farrell after he played for an hour at Cambridge.

The Saracens director of rugby explained: "Faz went fine on Monday night and I said after the Cardiff match that he will be given opportunities at both six and 12. But the overall point in all of this is that he still needs to be given more time to adapt to the game.

"Those chances will come over the next few weeks when we have a busy first team and A-team schedule. When he settles down, we'll see which position suits him best."