Welsh international Cooper makes his second GP start of the season in place of Rory Lawson, Bortolami takes over from Peter Buxton and Strokosch (right, almost in focus) wears No.6, allowing Luke Narraway to the other flank in place of Akapusi Qera, who is ruled out with a wrist injury.
As Ryan uses his squad strength for a game many are predicting could be a Christmas cracker, the coach told the club website: “It is impossible to believe we can operate with the same group of players relentlessly throughout the season because we have been through a very intense period of matches and we are not going to get the best from a guy like Pete Buxton if we simply play and play him.
“We are bringing an international captain and outstanding player in Marco Bortolami to the second row, Gareth Cooper has looked sharp in his appearances from the bench and Strokosch gives us a work ethic and explosive power we will require.
“Newcastle away from home is one of the most demanding fixtures in the Premiership – they have an outstanding spine to their team and world class players in key areas. It is a hugely important game for both of us.”Newcastle include their three England backs, Matthew Tair at full-back, Toby Flood in the centre and Jonny Wilkinson at fly-half. GLAWS: Iain Balshaw, James Simpson-Daniel, Mike Tindall, Anthony Allen, Lesley Vainikolo; Ryan Lamb, Gareth Cooper; Nick Wood, Olivier Azam, Carlos Nieto, Marco Bortolami (capt), Alex Brown, Alasdair Strokosch, Luke Narraway, Gareth Delve. Reps: Andy Titterrell, Patrice Collazo, Will James, Peter Buxton, Rory Lawson, Willie Walker, Leon Lloyd.
FALCONS: Mathew Tait, Tom May, Jamie Noon (captain), Toby Flood, John Rudd, Jonny Wilkinson, Lee Dickson; Jon Golding, Matt Thompson, Carl Hayman, Andy Perry, Mark Sorenson, Geoff Parling, Ben Woods, Russell Winter Reps: Andy Long, David Wilson, Sean Tomes, Brent Wilson, James Grindal, Tim Visser, Ollie Phillips. 

Meanwhile, Ryan has confirmed that he wants Ryan Lamb (left) to stay at Kingsholm. The fly-half has been in brilliant form this season, but his current contract expires at the end of the campaign.
Lamb was handed a police caution this week after a city centre incident, and coach Ryan told his weekly press conference: “I’ve no doubt that we see Ryan as the future and therefore we have to resolve situations that are around contracts.”
Strokosh this week extended his contract for a further two years after joining Glaws from Edinburgh during the summer and Ryan is hoping the same sort of deal will be agreed with Lamb, who is constantly being linked with other clubs. 

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