Henson poised for comeback

Gavin Henson makes his first appearance for almost six months when the Opreys take on Leicester.

Leicester Tigers v Ospreys

Heineken Cup, Welford Road, Sunday December 11, KO 15.00PM, live on Sky Sports 2

Wales star Gavin Henson is set to make his first appearance for almost six months when the Opreys take on Heineken Cup opponents Leicester on Sunday.

The Grand Slam star, who has been named amongst the replacements, has not played since the Lions' second Test defeat against New Zealand in Wellington.

Henson was forced to undergo groin surgery in Germany earlier this season, and a planned return against Bristol in the Powergen Cup last weekend was put on hold by a back spasm.

Leigh Davies (calf) and Paul James (neck strain) are still a week away from fitness and miss out.

Andy Lloyd, Brent Cockbain, Ryan Jones and David Bishop are on the long-term casualty list.

Leicester, current Pool Three leaders despite losing against Stade in Paris last time out, welcome back wing Tom Varndell after his try-scoring exploits during England's Dubai Sevens triumph a week ago.

Varndell's return sees Geordan Murphy revert to full-back and Sam Vesty drop to the bench.

In the front row, Darren Morris returns to the side to take his place at tighthead, with Michael Holford dropping to the bench. Alex Moreno moves to loosehead alongside George Chuter.

Leicester: 15 Geordan Murphy, 14 Leon Lloyd, 13 Ollie Smith, 12 Matt Cornwell, 11 Tom Varndell, 10 Andy Goode, 9 Harry Ellis; 1 Alejandro Moreno, 2 George Chuter, 3 Darren Morris, 4 Louis Deacon, 5 Ben Kay, 6 Brett Deacon, 7 Shane Jennings, 8 Martin Corry.

Replacements: James Buckland, Michael Holford, Leo Cullen, Lake Abraham, Austin Healey, Sam Vesty, Dan Hipkiss.

Ospreys: 15 Adrian Cashmore, 14 Stefan Terblanche, 13 Sonny Parker, 12 Andrew Bishop, 11 Shane Williams, 10 Shaun Connor, 9 Jason Spice; 1 Duncan Jones, 2 Barry Williams (C), 3 Adam Jones, 4 Andrew Newman, 5 Ian Evans, 6 James Bater, 7 Steve Tandy, 8 Jonathan Thomas.

Replacements: 16 Huw Bennett, 17 Andrew Millward, 18 Lyndon Bateman, 19 Lee Beach, 20 Matthew Jones, 21 Gavin Henson, 22 Richard Mustoe.