Wilkinson set for first start

Jonny Wilkinson will make his first start of the season when Newcastle tackle Guinness Premiership leaders Leicester at Welford Road tomorrow night.

The England star, who produced a sparkling 60-minute performance as a substitute during Falcons’ Powergen Cup defeat against Llanelli Scarlets last weekend, replaces ankle injury victim Toby Flood.

Wilkinson’s appearances either side of an appendix operation this term, have been restricted to three appearances off the bench.

England centre Jamie Noon, meanwhile, could feature among the Newcastle replacements, after being given another 24 hours to prove his fitness following a knee injury.