SEVEN tries in as many games may have put Tom Howe’s name in lights.

But it has been his improved work-rate that has impressed boss Alan Solomons after a “stuttering” start to the season.

Howe has yet to play in the Gallagher Premiership this season but his try-scoring form has been key to Warriors’ progression to the knockout stages in two cup competitions.

The 23-year-old has crossed the whitewash four times in five European Challenge Cup outings and scored three tries in two Premiership Cup matches including a brace in last Friday’s semi-final defeat to Saracens at Sixways.

Solomons felt Howe produced his “best game of the season” against Sarries after handing him a new one-year contract and was under "consideration" for tomorrow's league trip to Harlequins (3pm).

But he admitted the former Wasps academy ace was not consistent enough at the beginning of this campaign.

“He stuttered a little bit at the start,” Solomons said.

“He played a really good game away at Stade (Francais in mid-October) but he didn’t really kick on.

“Work rate was one thing he needed to improve along with his defence and work under the high ball.

“But what was pleasing was that he had a good level of involvement on the weekend and he was effective.

“I would say he had his best game of the season that day.

“I thought he played really well. Although the ball bounced for him for his first try he had the wit to kick ahead, follow through and score.”

Wingers Bryce Heem and Josh Adams are set to return to the starting line-up for Warriors’ clash at Quins but with Perry Humphreys sidelined Howe might be in line for a place on the bench.

“Of course he will be in for consideration,” Solomons said.

“Pezza, Dean (Hammond) and Tommy are all good finishers. They have all got pace which is the big secret.

“Tommy has got quite nice feet as well.

“Everybody likes to score tries, particularly wingers as it generates confidence.

“Tommy is feeling good about things and about himself as he had a splendid game (against Saracens).”

Solomons reckoned Howe’s prolific strike rate had also put pressure on first-team regulars Heem and Adams to bring out their best.

“We did have Premiership Shield games but at the beginning of the season we had that block of six Premiership games and to be honest it is tough competition with Bryce and Josh,” Solomons said.

“Each of those wings has got to aspire to be in the side and that level of competition keeps Josh and Bryce on their toes. It’s healthy.

“The more competition you have got the better.

“I must say Josh and Bryce are very competitive animals and raise their games anyway.

“But most of the lads are like that. They are playing top level, professional sport so they are instinctively competitive.”