WHILE all eyes will be on Andy Farrell at Bedford tomorrow (Saturday), Alex Sanderson will make his first appearance in eight months after recovering from injury.

The 25-year old England flanker has not played since Boxing Day following surgery to a chronic neck injury, and his return to fitness is a huge boost to a side that will be without the decorated Richard Hill for virtually the entire season.

"We are absolutely over the moon at how he has rehabed in the nine months he has been off," said Diamond.

"We took the choice to bring him here from Sale and rehab him at our own expense because we know the credibility the lad has in the Premiership as a player and as a leader of men. He's very similar to Andy Farrell in his leadership qualities and his mindset.

"The lad needs a bit of luck but he's been throwing himself about in training as he was doing two or three years ago. Fingers crossed, he'll come through for us."