Bristol look set to include experienced prop Darren Crompton for the first time this season when they host Toulon in the European Challenge Cup on Friday, writes Matt Cain.

The 36-year-old, who has been a cornerstone of the Bristol pack for the last four years, damaged ankle ligaments and underwent a subsequent operation after the opening pre-season friendly at Exeter Chiefs nearly two months ago.

Bristol will also have wing Tom Arscott available despite the flier taking a nasty looking knock to his neck in the 33-15 defeat to Montpellier last Friday.

But England international Crompton returned to training with the club for the first time yesterday and could win his first appearance of 2008-09 in the 7.45pm Friday fixture as Bristol look to claim their maiden win of the campaign.

Head coach Richard Hill said: "It looks likely Darren will be in the 22 for this Friday's match. That's good news.

"Darren is a good senior player. We have missed his presence on the field so far this season. It will be like having a new player in the squad.

"Darren knows what he is doing. He is very experienced and is pretty solid for us. He is our heaviest prop and helps bulk the scrum."

Bristol have been penalised many times in the scrum this season for boring - or in other words when the tight head prop pushes illegally at an angle against the opposition hooker. Hill hopes Crompton's return will end this problem area for Bristol.

"Our scrum is not as good as it was last season. Hopefully having Darren back will make a difference," added the Bristol boss.

"Darren also knows how to get on the right side of the referees. He talks to them and asks them what they want.

Luke Arscott (finger) is out until the Premiership clash with Northampton on November 16 while wing Anthony Elliott (knee) could play against Llanelli in the EDF Energy Cup on Friday week.