Noon begins his Newcastle comeback

England centre Jamie Noon will begin his comeback from a World Cup-ending

injury in Spain on Saturday.

Noon lines up in Newcastle's European Challenge Cup opener against Cetransa El

Salvador, almost two months after suffering medial knee ligament damage during

England's record 36-0 World Cup defeat to South Africa.

Noon is partnered in midfield by World Cup star Mathew Tait, with Tait and his

brother Alex - chosen at full-back instead of Tom May - starting together in

Falcons colours for the first time.

England pair Toby Flood and Jonny Wilkinson both miss the game.

Flood has undergone surgery to repair a minor tear in his scrotum suffered

against EDF Energy Cup opponents Newport Gwent Dragons last weekend, while

Wilkinson continues his recovery from an ankle problem.