Leicester v Newcastle: Teams

Louis Deacon will make his first appearance of the season when Leicester Tigers run out against Newcastle Falcons in Aviva Premiership at Welford Road on Saturday.

The England international lock has overcome a back injury to take his place in the side for the first time since the Premiership final in May.

Deacon's return is timely following long-term injuries to Geoff Parling (knee) and Ben Pienaar (Achilles).

Lee Robinson makes his first Aviva Premiership start for the club on the wing as Scott Hamilton moves to full-back in the absence of Geordan Murphy who is on international duty with Ireland.

Jordan Crane, who led out the team in the LV= Cup tie against Harlequins three weeks ago, will captain the side in a league fixture for the first time.

Meanwhile, Newcastle head coach Alan Tait has made three changes to the side that beat Gloucester last week.

Kieran Brookes replaces the injured Rob Vickers at hooker, while Micky Ward starts at tight head.

There is a reshuffle in the backs as Gcobani Bobo moves out on to the wing for the injured Charlie Amesbury with Tane Tu'ipulutu slotting in at centre.

Confident

In-form Falcons scrum-half, Micky Young believes his side has what it takes to defeat Leicester Tigers at Welford Road on Saturday.

Young was in sublime form at half back as the Falcons swept aside title challengers, Gloucester last week.

And the playmaker, who will be making his first ever appearance at Welford Road, cannot wait to pull on the Falcons jersey again.

"If you worry about the crowd and what's going on around you, then you've already lost the game as far as I'm concerned," he said.

The number nine has also expressed his delight with the return of captain, James Hudson whom Young admits is vital for the Falcons cause.

"It makes a massive difference having Huddo [James Hudson] back in the team," he said.

"I didn't get to see the stats from last week, but I know he stole a few balls and he's the type of player we need at the club.

"His presence and work rate is vital, so to get a win on his first game back is no coincidence and I'm sure we'll kick on from here."

Leicester: 15 Scott Hamilton, 14 Lee Robinson, 13 Matt Smith, 12 Anthony Allen, 11 Manu Tuilagi, 10 Billy Twelvetrees, 9 James Grindal, 8 Jordan Crane (c), 7 Craig Newby, 6 Thomas Waldrom, 5 George Skivington, 4 Louis Deacon, 3 Julian White, 2 George Chuter, 1 Peter Bucknall
Replacements: 16 Rob Hawkins, 17 Jonny Harris, 18 Ryan Bower, 19 Ed Slater, 20 Steve Mafi, 21 Jason Spice, 22 George Ford, 23 Andy Forsyth

Newcastle: 15 Jeremy Manning, 14 Luke Fielden, 13 Tane Tu'ipulutu, 12 Luke Eves, 11 Gcobani Bobo, 10 Jimmy Gopperth, 9 Micky Young, 8 Ally Hogg, 7 Redford Pennycook, 6 Brent Wilson, 5 Tim Swinson, 4 James Hudson (c), 3 Micky Ward, 2 Kieran Brookes 1 Grant Shiells
Replacements:16 Crombie,17 Darren Fearn, 18 James Hall, 19 Glen Townson, 20 Will Welch, 21 Chris Pilgrim, 22 Micheal Tait, 23 Tom Catterick