Dan Cole: England and Leicester Tigers prop ready for full return

Cole has earned 45 England caps since making his debut in 2010

England prop Dan Cole says he is ready to start for Leicester Tigers after playing his first game for nine months in Sunday's LV= Cup win over Sale.

The 27-year-old, who had been sidelined since January with a neck injury, played for 30 minutes as a substitute in the 29-13 victory at Welford Road.

Tigers face Saracens when their Premiership campaign resumes on Sunday.

"If picked I feel good to go. I have had nine months of doing not a lot," Cole told BBC Radio Leicester.

Tigers earned a bonus-point cup win against the Sharks with a dominant second-half performance, having been 13-3 down at the break.

Harry Thacker scored soon after the restart and, after Cole came on, tries from Matt Smith and a Miles Benjamin double helped secure an emphatic win.

Cole, who could come into contention for England's remaining autumn internationals, added: "The crowd were getting a bit frustrated in the first half and they vocalised that in the second half and were fantastic - and the team responded. That inspired the young boys.

"I was just pleased to get out there and run about.

"It's a bit of auto pilot when you get on the field. There are a few nerves beforehand but once you are on, the adrenaline takes over. There isn't time to think about things.

"Nothing you can do of the field compares to the tempo and pace of the game when playing.

"The body will take some adjusting. The club have been great and I have worked hard."