Newcastle scrum-half Micky Young believes the new-look Falcons team is beginning to show promising signs after a mixed start to the new campaign.

Falcons made 17 additions to their squad during the summer and Young admitted it has taken time for the players to adjust to the changes.

"It's coming together pretty well, we are definitely moving in the right direction," he told BBC Look North.

"We just need to get a few more wins under our belt, but we're gelling."

The Hartlepool-born half-back is one of several youngsters that have graduated from the Falcons' development squad to feature in Steve Bates' first-team plans, alongside players such as Rob Miller, Alex Tait and Matt Thompson.

Young also admits Sunday's European Challenge Cup tie with French side Albi will be a bruising encounter.

The 20-year-old revealed the players have watched videos of the Top 14 outfit in action and are ready for a physical test of their pack.

"They're a big abrasive pack, which we'll be fine with and our pack's big as well," he said.

"We like to throw the ball around, which will play on their weaknesses."

Meanwhile last weekend's 29-27 defeat of Petrarca in Padova was hard-earned, but a positive experience for both Young and wing Danny Williams as both marked the appearance with a try each.

A hamstring injury had restricted the former Leeds Rhinos three-quarter to just 58 minutes before Saturday's win, and the Yorkshireman admitted it was a bonus to get back out on the field - and take advantage of the service from the quality in the Falcons' midfield.

"It was my first game back, I got a slight tear in the hamstring against Leeds but now I'm back healthy it was good to be back playing," he said.

"I get on the outside of a lot of lucky things so as long as I keep working hard to get on the end of things the tries will come.

"There's a lot of creativity in midfield, Jimmy [Gopperth], Tane [Tu'ipulotu], [Gcobani] Bobo and we've brought Rob Vickerman in who's an exciting player.

"It's going well with the skill we have out wide, me and [Tom] Biggs on the wings and Alex Tait at full-back, it's exciting."

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