DAVID Blaney has recovered from groin surgery to give Bristol a timely lift ahead of Friday's Championship play-off semi-final clash with London Welsh.

The hooker has not featured since Bristol's surprise defeat at Moseley almost eight weeks ago and underwent surgery a fortnight ago.

But he has been passed fit to return to the squad for Friday's make-or-break match at the Memorial Stadium.

Head coach Paul Hull must now decide whether to stick with youngster Ollie Hayes or recall the more experienced Blaney to the starting line-up.

Hayes, 20, was excellent in Bristol's 60-15 win at Cornish Pirates four days ago – but has made one league start for the club this season, compared with Blaney's 15.

And Hull said: "Blaney is fit to play and that is another boost for the squad.

"I was quietly confidently he would be ready, so there were no panic buttons being pressed, but last week was a good opportunity for Ollie to show what he can do – and he did superbly well. His performance in itself was another shot in the arm for the squad, because we've now got another player who can play at that level."

Hull praised the determination shown by 31-year-old Blaney to return from injury and play his part in Bristol's promotion bid, having only had surgery 15 days ago.

"It's one of those operations where the rehab suggests he would be there or thereabouts," said Hull.

"But it's always down to the individual and how determined he is, along with the medical team and how well they can turn it round – and they have been superb.

"Hats off to them and to Blaney – he has got himself in a position to be selected, which is great."

But Blaney's return has not meant Hull has abandoned his plans to bring in short-term cover at hooker.

Bristol yesterday reached an agreement to sign a hooker on loan for the rest of the season – but Hull was unwilling to reveal his identity as Blaney's return means the new man will not be registered ahead of Friday's game.

"We've got someone all done and dusted now, but we don't need to use him this week because Blaney is back," said Hull.

"But we've got cover in case anything drastic happens over the next week or so and I'm confident with that as well. We're in a very good position.

"He hasn't signed yet, so I can't say too much, but it will be a loan signing. Someone has kindly offered their services and we've agreed terms, so it's just a case of whether we need to register that person – which we don't need to do this week."

While Blaney has been declared fit for Friday's game, centre Alex Crockett has been ruled out with a hamstring injury – meaning he must continue to wait for his home debut for Bristol.

The former Bath skipper scored Bristol's opening try at Cornish Pirates, before limping off with a hamstring injury 17 minutes into the game. It is the opposite hamstring to the one he injured at Nottingham in March.

"He has trained really well over the last couple of weeks, was rewarded with a start last week and started the game really well," said Hull.

"It was an opportunity for him to get into the team, and, unfortunately, he injured himself while scoring a try and is unavailable for Friday."

Bristol (from): Backs – L Arscott, L Robinson, T Arscott, D Norton, L Eves, J Adams, J Fatialofa, S Giddens, A Jarvis, M Davies, J Spice, S Alford. Forwards – D Crompton, M Irish, A Clarke, M Vunipola, D Blaney, O Hayes, W Thompson, M Sambucetti, N Budgett, R Winters, I Grieve, D Montagu, J Phillips, J Merriman, R Pennycook.