Healey, out since the Heineken Cup Round 4 match against Beziers on 14 December, 2002, with an achilles problem, played at fly half for Leicester Extras in their 24-12 away win over Northampton Wanderers and is expected to be in the Tigers 22 for their clash with Sale Sharks this weekend.

But Leicester are resigned to new international three quarter Ollie Smith missing the repeat of last season s final with the shoulder damage suffered against Newcastle Falcons and joining hugely influential flanker Lewis Moody (shoulder) on their casualty list.