Catt's last appearance for Irish was in December against Perpignan (Getty)

The player-coach has not played since the Exiles' 23-6 Heineken Cup defeat at Perpignan in December due to a calf injury picked up in that game.

But director of rugby Brian Smith told BBC Radio Berkshire Catt is desperate to play this weekend.

He said: "We had a full-contact training session and Catty had the nostrils flared and he loved it."

Interview: London Irish director of rugby Brian Smith

"It's good to have him back, particularly with the young half-back pairing that we have, it's very important that we have the old head out in the middle.

"Seilala Mapusua was able to provide a lot of stability in our back line, but now he's out injured, it's timely for us that Mike Catt's coming back."

They have a wonderful squad and very talented backs - it's the Chelsea of English rugby London Irish boss Brian Smith

Irish are undefeated in all competitions since their defeat at Welford Road in December and Smith said the team is now setting their sights higher.

"We're looking at the next block of three games and we're capable of winning them. If we do that, we believe we can be in the top four. We haven't given up on a play-off spot this season."

Smith spoke of his admiration for the Tigers team, but also said that last season's win against them at the Madejski Stadium is significant.

"Leicester are a very big and powerful side. They have over 650 international caps in their squad, which is bordering on the ridiculous. We have about 200 caps - so they have three times more than us. It'll be a great match against a great club.

"They have a wonderful squad and very talented backs, with [Aaron] Mauger in midfield, [Andy] Goode on his day can kick any team to death, [Ayoola] Erinle is in good form, Geordan Murphy - it's the Chelsea of English rugby.

"On paper you'd get anxious, but we proved against Sale the game isn't played on paper. We're playing at the Madejski Stadium and that gives us a real chance because we've done it before."