PLYMOUTH Albion utility back Mark Lee will make his first league start against Rotherham tomorrow (3pm).

Lee has started both of Albion's two British & Irish Cup matches against Leinster and Newport in the last fortnight.

However, tomorrow's Championship clash will signify a landmark for the 19-year-old, who has made three replacement appearances in the league this season.

Lee will start at full-back as one of three changes to the side which began the 26-12 win at London Welsh on November 14 – Albion's last league outing.

Joe Clark will play hooker despite the likely return from injury of James Owen, who has missed the last two weeks with a neck injury.

Wayne Sprangle, who replaced Sean-Michael Stephen at half-time at Old Deer Park after the latter injured knee ligaments, will wear the number six shirt, providing he recovers from an injury to his neck.

Canadian lock Tyler Hotson has returned from three weeks on international duty but he will have to make do with only a place among the replacements.

"Mark Lee has been very good over the last few weeks," said chairman of rugby Graham Dawe.

"He had a good October and he played very well in November.

"He deserves to keep his place in the side."

Dawe added of the decision to name club captain and leading points-scorer Kieran Hallett among the replacements: "Kieran will be in the 22 and he is likely to play some part.

"He did very well last Friday at Newport, but it was a game where it was difficult for him to express himself.

"Alex deserves to keep his shirt (from London Welsh)."

Sprangle's neck injury has meant the flanker, who can also play in the second-row, has been unable to perform any contact training this week.

However, Dawe has no concerns that the England Counties international won't be fit enough to take his place in Albion's side for tomorrow's game.

"Wayne is a slight concern because he has a sore neck and he hasn't been able to do all of the training," said Dawe.

"But we are hopeful he will be fine and I expect him to be able to start the game."

Last time out in the league, Albion produced, arguably, their best performance of the season.

They came away from sixth-placed Welsh with a bonus point after running in four tries.

When asked if tomorrow's team selection was based on being loyal to the side which won at Old Deer Park, Dawe said: "There is no particular plan.

"We try to give everybody some opportunities and some game-time while not wanting to weaken the team.

"We feel that everyone starting tomorrow deserves their chance, but we are expecting a good performance from the team."

Albion: Mark Lee, Ben Mercer, Keni Fisilau, Sione Tu'ipulotu, Liam Gibson, Alex Davies, Ruairi Cushion, Martin Rice, Joe Clark, Ryan Hopkins, Mike Lewis, Tom Skelding, Wayne Sprangle, Rory Watts-Jones, Kyle Marriott (capt). Reps (from): Gary Kingdom, Kieran Hallett, Matt Hopper, Danny Porte, George Porter, James Owen, Graham Dawe, Tyler Hotson, James Waterhouse, Darren Clayton.