Wasps' and England star Lawrence Dallaglio is set to make his long awaited return to action this weekend after nine months of injury woes.

Dallaglio will start on the bench for the Zurich Premiership encounter with Sale at Heywood Road, his first appearance since rupturing his knee ligaments on Lions duty during the summer.

"I will start on the bench and expect to play about half the game," said the 29-year-old. "I simply cannot wipe the smile off my face.

"It has been a slog and certain people have suggested my career might be over but I am a very positive person."

Dallaglio's return is not just a boost for club boss Warren Gatland, but also England chief Clive Woodward.

While former England skipper is unlikely to be considered for the remainder of England's Six Nations campaign, he is likely to earn a place on the proposed summer tour to the South Pacific, and will form an integral part of Woodward's plans for next year's World Cup.

"I have never lacked hunger, motivation or enthusiasm," Dallaglio told The Sun. "But sometimes you need something to give you an extra edge.

"For some guys that might be a loss of form, for others, like me, it might be an injury.

"If you are denied something you have been used to for a long time you get a craving for it."

Dallaglio also confirmed that Wasps had signed a two-year agreement to play at Wycombe's Adams Park following QPR's decision to allow Premiership soccer outfit Fulham to use Loftus Road during redevelopment of Craven Cottage.

"Everyone is very excited about it," he said. "The area has a sizeable rugby following and the ground is superb with a 10,000 capacity. Even with good gates at Loftus Road you feel you are playing in a half-empty ground."