It was a tough fixture to make your first start in, but Foden showed he can live with the best in his first game at scrum-half for nearly two years.

The great debate about where he should play still rages on in some quarters, but Foden is sure his future is at No.9 and the way he burst off a lineout to set up Saints' first try was encouragement enough for director of rugby Jim Mallinder to stick with him.

Plus Foden's physicality and speed in defence were a real asset. He chopped down Leicester's big threat Jordan Crane with a low crisp tackle and scrambled across to stop winger Matt Smith scoring a try early on.

It was tougher in the second half as Saints were hemmed into their 22, but Foden has given Mallinder something to think about in the coming weeks.

It has taken five games for Foden to get his first start with Saints, but he says he hasn't been frustrated.

"I've got to be patient," said Foden. "I've just been biding my time and taking the advice that has been given to me. I just have to take my chance when it comes and I think I performed quite well.

"Hopefully I can keep building on that. I'm still learning. I've been out of the No.9 position for two years and they've done the right thing in bringing me back slowly.

"Welford Road is a tough place to come and there was a hell of an atmosphere out there. It's just a shame we couldn't carry on the performance we produced in the first half.

"I enjoy it at places like this. It's a big platform to be on, Welford Road away and with it being my first start of the year I just wanted to make a point and get myself back into the swing of things.

"The boys put in a good performance and I think we were unlucky to not come away with anything at the end of the day."

Foden has said in the past that he doesn't want to be known as a utility back, but his versatility has allowed Saints to have a five-two split on the bench at times this season.

The 22-year-old came on at full-back against Newcastle and looked electric. Mallinder has always got that option, especially if injuries hit, but for now Foden is looking to hold on to his No.9 spot, though he is likely to be rested for today's EDF Energy Cup clash with Bristol.

Foden has ambitions about playing for England at scrum-half and he looked more lively than opposite number and Elite Squad member Harry Ellis, who was coming back from a knee injury.

"Harry's a great player," said Foden. "It's great to go up against guys like that. As a player, if you want to play for England you've got to go up against the very best."

Foden's try-inspiring burst was something Ellis was unable to replicate.
"It's always nice when things like that come off," said Foden. "But it was quite early on.

"We always knew it was going to be a struggle to maintain that type of pressure through the rest of the game."