ENGLAND captain Martin Corry is one of nine internationals recalled by Leicester Tigers for Worcester's Premiership visit to Welford Road on Friday night.

Corry is joined in the starting line-up by England team-mates Harry Ellis, Julian White, Lewis Moody and Andy Goode.

England Under 21 skipper Matt Cornwell is handed his first start since the win at Ospreys in the Heineken Cup in December.

But Leicester are without British Lions prop Graham Rowntree after he picked up an Achilles injury in last Friday's defeat at Gloucester.

Tigers coach Pat Howard is eager to avenge Worcester's 15-11 win at Sixways in November and has identified Shane Drahm as the biggest threat.

Opportunities

He said: "We had our opportunities to win it. Worcester are a good side and we have to respect Shane Drahm as a goal-kicker and a player."

Howard admits it is difficult to chop and change in the middle of international competition but is pleased to welcome back his big hitters.

He said: "It's hard when you have to swap like they will have to, but the physicality of professionalism means we welcome them back."

Howard is backing Tigers to bounce back from the setback at Kingsholm that allowed the Cherry and Whites to leap-frog them into third place.

He added: "We haven't got depressed by it. We have to keep moving forwards."

Tigers: Murphy; Tuilagi, Smith, Cornwell, Varndell; Goode, Ellis; Holford, Chuter, White, Hamilton, Cullen, Moody, Jennings, Corry. Replacements: Taukafa, Morris, L Deacon, Johnson, Bemand, I Humphreys, Dodge.