RORY Clegg will return to Newcastle Falcons’ starting line-up for Sunday’s European Challenge Cup tie with Cetransa El Salvador.

Fly-half Clegg, who turned 19 earlier this month, has shaken off the groin problem that kept him out of last weekend’s defeat to Brive.

Director of rugby Steve Bates has stood by his pledge to name a strong team, despite his side’s 63-0 home win over El Salvador in October.

Alex Tait earns a start on the wing after featuring as a replacement against Brive, while Jon Golding returns from a neck injury at loose head prop. David Wilson switches to the tight head side with Carl Hayman having returned to New Zealand for his wedding.

Lock forward Mark Sorenson is left out as a precaution due to a slight neck problem, but scrum-half Micky Young starts again after passing a fitness test on a tight calf muscle.

Ed Williamson returns at openside flanker after shoulder trouble, but the Falcons will be without the services of Joe McDonnell for around three months after the All Black prop underwent a neck operation.

Hooker Andy Long is sidelined with a calf problem despite recovering from a recent broken finger, while lock Geoff Parling is ineligible for European competition.

Falcons: May, Williams, Noon, Tu’ipulotu, Tait, Clegg, Young; Golding, Vickers, D Wilson, Swinson, Perry, Dowson, Williamson, Balding.