PROMISING teenager Joel Hodgson will be handed the chance to prove he can handle the first-team stage when the Newcastle Falcons talent is asked to cause problems in Bourgoin tonight.

After shining from the bench in last Friday night’s 6- 0 defeat to Montpellier in the Amlin Challenge Cup, Hodgson has another chance to illustrate his attacking potential against French opposition.

The 18-year-old has been named at No 10 for a fixture that has little other than pride and experience riding on it, with neither side capable of reaching the quarter-finals even by winning the final group fixture.

Exciting fly-half Hodgson knows the opportunity provides him with a chance to stake a claim for a more regular place in the Falcons lineup, even if the result across the English Channel will count for little.

And assistant coach Paul Moriarty, reflecting on a frustrating campaign in Europe, said: “Joel has done himself no harm at all in terms of his performances in the competition this season.

“Joe Graham, who will be on the bench, is another one.

When you see where Joe has come from and where he’s been, he’s done great. He’s only been involved in European rugby for a short period of time and has not looked out of place.”

Hodgson, who will slot in for star fly-half Jimmy Gopperth, is not the only change head coach Alan Tait has made to a Falcons team at the Stade Pierre Rajon.

James Fitzpatrick, who also impressed as a replacements last weekend, comes in alongside Luke Eves, while lock Glen Townson adds to his 13 appearances since moving from Doncaster.

FALCONS: A Tait, M Tait, Eves, Fitzpatrick, Amesbury, Hodgson, Pilgrim; Golding, Thompson, Hall, Hudson (captain), Townson, Levi, Williamson, Wilson. Replacements: Graham, Ward, Shiells, Swinson, Gray, Young, Tu’ipulotu, Fielden.