Eoin Reddan's return can give Wasps a vital lift against Newcastle

Ian McGeechan believes his struggling London Wasps team can register a second League win of the season at Newcastle tonight and at the same time give their Heineken Cup campaign a boost.

Wasps, the reigning Guinness Premiership champions, have given up nearly an entire starting XV to various international teams this month. However, they travel north with two very welcome additions to their squad.

Ireland scrum-half Eoin Reddan goes straight into the team while England lock Simon Shaw is on the replacements' bench having been deemed surplus to requirements at Twickenham tomorrow by England team manager Martin Johnson.

While McGeechan can take comfort from their presence, captain Rafael Ibanez is out of contention following his bang on the head during the defeat by Sale.

Wasps, second from bottom, are one point behind Newcastle and face successive Heineken Cup matches with Edinburgh in the coming weeks.

McGeechan, the club's director of rugby, said: "We are pleased to have some of our experienced players back for what will be a major challenge. We will be looking to build on the much improved performance that was seen against Sale and morale remains high amongst the squad as we look to the next test."

Reddan is one of two changes, with Rob Webber taking over from Ibanez at hooker. Academy prop Charlie Beech joins Shaw among the replacements.

London Irish are aiming for a fifth successive league win on Sunday when they visit bottom club Bristol.