The Newcastle star sat out his side’s 36-25 defeat at Bath on Saturday, but is drawing ever closer to a return.

He has been out of action for six months since suffering a dislocated kneecap at Gloucester, but Newcastle director of rugby Steve Bates admits the former England fly-half could well be named a substitute for the forthcoming Kingston Park encounter.

“If things go well we will start by naming him on the bench against Leicester,” Bates said.

“Jonny had a bit of a reaction this week after training. We need to look at his fitness at post-training every time, assessing how the knee reacts.

“We are not in a position to rush him back for any reason – we need to make sure it’s right for him.”