New Zealander Hamilton signed for the Tigers just over a year ago

Leicester Tigers back Scott Hamilton hopes to make the most of playing in his favoured full-back position in the absence of first choice Geordan Murphy.

Skipper Murphy is expected to be out until Christmas with a shoulder injury.

Hamilton, 29, scored a hat-trick from full-back as Tigers eased past Viadana 46-11 in the Heineken Cup on Saturday.

And he told BBC Radio Leicester: "I enjoy playing there, it's probably my preferred spot. And with Geordan out I suppose it's my spot to lose."

Hamilton has shone in the role with some impressive displays, although he was modest about his performance against the Italians.

"It probably wasn't one of my better games but I happened to be in the right place at the right time and score a few tries," the New Zealand cap said.

"I was impressed with their forwards and the way they carried the ball but we managed to hang on to the ball long enough and scored the tries when we needed to.

"We are probably a bit better than what we have shown today but we came here to get five points and that is what we have done."

And Hamilton is satisfied with Tigers' start to their European campaign - despite the home draw against Ospreys on the opening weekend.

"We would have liked to have won last week but going in at half-time we were pretty happy to get away with what we did," he said

"But we would have taken eight points from two games so are pretty happy with that."

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