Jonny Wilkinson is confident he can handle the twin assignment of coping with huge England expectation and captaining Newcastle this season.
The fly-half, who is instrumental to England's victory hopes against Tri-Nations heavyweights New Zealand, Australia and South Africa in November, has also been charged with leading Newcastle's bid for Zurich Premiership success.
But Wilkinson, still only 23, has no qualms about taking on such a challenging dual role.
"I have always taken more responsibility for myself than has ever been put on me by either my club, or that which comes from playing at fly-half," he said.
"And if I keep it that way, then I think I will be all right. If I strive to reach my own levels, and keep those higher than expectations from other parties, then I'll be okay. Hopefully, it will be me who is disappointed when other people aren't.
"There is a lot of pressure on me, but I will share the pressure among the guys as well," he added. "They [the Newcastle players] will have to take some responsibility, because they are all relatively experienced players."
Wilkinson finds himself at the helm of a Newcastle side whose average age in last weekend's Premiership opener against Wasps was just 24, and that includes front-row men Steve Brotherstone and Marius Hurter, who are both 31.
The Falcons said farewell to several old heads at the end of last season - Pat Lam, Inga Tuigamala, Gary Armstrong and Doddie Weir among them - so Wilkinson and company have a lot resting on their youthful shoulders.
Things started well with a 24-17 victory over Wasps, but the prospect of facing Northampton - Falcons' Powergen Cup conquerors last term - before a 12,600 sell-out crowd at refurbished Franklin's Gardens tomorrow, will surely test Wilkinson's leadership credentials.
The Saints, stung by Sale star Charlie Hodgson's late drop-goal a week ago, include former England wing Jon Sleightholme for his first league start in two years, while Ben Cohen switches to centre. Australian international Mark Connors will be handed a Premiership debut.
