I was just glad to get on the pitch says six-club Ashton

CHRIS Ashton confessed he was just “grateful to be here” after his Leicester debut.

The 34-year-old, who has now played for six Premiership clubs, made two cameo spells against the club who he first signed for from Wigan in Rugby League.

His first-half stint to cover Freddie Burns' head assessment was followed by a three-minute spell which ended in a sin-bin for falling offside at a ruck.

That first spell finished in a try-saving tackle on Rory Hutchinson and applause from Tiger fans. “It was nice to contribute and I just wish I could have stayed on. I was just glad to get on,” he said.

Ashton, who had not played since last March, said he had been driving his wife “mad” by being at home since Worcester released him.

“Everyone has been really welcoming to me. I've been sat at home for two months with my missus going mental.”

Northampton boss Chris Boyd said Leicester had maintained a physical edge over his team. He felt his team got on the wrong side of the referee but added: “We were conceding penalties because we were under pressure and did not get our go forward.”