NEWCASTLE FALCONS will continue to chase success on multiple fronts when they take on Gloucester in the LV=Cup tomorrow.

Having started strongly in both the Aviva Premiership and Amlin Challenge Cup this season, Falcons kicked off their Anglo-Welsh challenge with a 29-21 home win over London Irish last weekend.

While Premiership survival is undoubtedly the main aim this season, an extended cup run in both the domestic and European competitions would add further interest to the second half of the campaign.

With Gloucester missing a host of internationals and concentrating the bulk of their attention on the Heineken Cup, tomorrow’s game offers an opportunity for Newcastle to take a giant step towards the latter stages of the LV=Cup.

However, they will have to be at their best to win at Kingsholm, particularly as they could find themselves coming up against a former skipper with a point to prove.

“It’s going to be a similar challenge to what we faced last week against Irish, and we know it’s going to be a tough contest for us down there,” said head coach Peter Russell.

“At the end of the day we’ve got to make sure that we put pressure on them up front, and we are well aware of the talent they have at their disposal.

“A certain James Hudson will also want to make an impression against his former club, so we will have to be on our mettle, and go down there and perform to the best of our ability.”

Falcons have made eight changes to the side that beat London Irish, with centre Adam Powell and winger Ryan Shortland both returning to the backline. Alex Tait also replaces Tom Catterick at full-back.

Props Rob Vickers and Scott Wilson get the nod in the front row, with the latter starting for the first time since his outing at Brive in the Challenge Cup.

Italy international Carlo del Fava joins burgeoning talent Dom Barrow in the second row, while Ally Hogg rounds off the changes, coming in for Chris York at number eight.

Meanwhile, Falcons fly-half Joel Hodgson will be playing for Rotherham Titans against Bristol Rugby having signed a dual registration with the South Yorkshire club.

NEWCASTLE FALCONS: Tait, Cato, Barnes, Powell, Shortland, Clegg, Fury; Vickers, McGuigan, S Wilson, del Fava, Barrow, R Mayhew, Welch, Hogg.

Replacements: Brookes, Strain, Shiells, MacLeod, M Wilson, Blair, Kibirige, Godman.