Vesty eager to seize opportunity

Vesty has only made three appearances for Leicester this term

Leicester Tigers back Sam Vesty has said he is desperate to claim a regular starting spot if he is selected to face London Wasps on Sunday.

The versatile Vesty has made just three appearances for Tigers this season.

But he is expected to get the nod in a re-jigged back-line in the absence of the injured Derick Hougaard and Toby Flood, who is on England duty.

"It's a big chance to show what I can do. If you get a chance, you've got to take it," he told BBC Radio Leicester.

Vesty, a product of the Tigers academy, can play at fly-half, inside centre or full-back.

And backs coach Matt O'Connor has hinted that his adaptability may well see him share the fly-half duties with Aaron Mauger against Wasps.

Vesty said: "The way I play my game I think I am probably best suited to playing at 12 but I think I can do a very good job at 10 especially in the attacking and running part of the game.

"I also enjoy playing at 15 - there's a lot of space there, it's very different, but that's where I have played most of my professional rugby."

And Vesty is confident his versatility will not hold him back.

"The reason I play in all those positions is because I can and I enjoy doing each and every single one of them," he said.

"I don't think it handicaps me - some coaches see me in one position more than another position but I enjoy playing in all three of them."

Tigers have not won away from home in the Premiership since beating Worcester in September.

But Vesty believes the strength in depth at Welford Road will see stand them in good stead.

"This is a difficult time of year, but it's also an exciting time because the whole squad gets used," he said.

"This is when you get into the top four, when the whole squad comes to the fore. If we have used our squad well we should have a lot of fresh people because we have a lot of quality."

You can hear full match commentary of London Wasps v Leicester Tigers on BBC Radio Leicester 104.9FM and DAB, as well as online at bbc.co.uk/leicester