Newcastle director of rugby Rob Andrew believes Falcons centres Jamie Noon and Mathew Tait will prove their quality for England in the Six Nations. Noon has just five caps and Tait is making his debut, but they will play as England's centres in Saturday's opening match against Wales in Cardiff.
"Jamie has been rewarded for his consistently superb performances for us," Andrew said.
"And Mathew's call-up comes after a meteoric rise in the last year."
Tait, who is making his international debut as the youngest player since Jonny Wilkinson was capped as an 18-year-old almost six years ago, was playing schoolboy rugby for Barnard Castle this time last year.
However, Andrew insists he has the all-round game to contend with Wales centres Tom Shanklin and Gavin Henson on his debut at the Millennium Stadium.
"He is only 18 years old and must be allowed time to develop at the highest level," Andrew said. "But, having seen the way he has played for the Falcons this season and the attitude he has demonstrated, I am sure he can make an impact.
"The amazing confidence he has shown in his short time with us so far suggests he can cope with whatever is thrown at him, although we should not forget how far he has come in a short space of time."
Noon beat off the challenge of Bath's Olly Barkley and Leicester's Ollie Smith to claim his starting place.
"I have no doubt he has what it takes to translate his club form onto the international stage," Andrew added.
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