Jim Thompson has set his sights on a quick try against Ulster tonight, when he makes his competitive debut for Edinburgh. The son of Channel 4 racing commentator Derek Thompson says he has little doubt his old man has put money on him scoring.

Jim Thompson has set his sights on a quick try against Ulster tonight, when he makes his competitive debut for Edinburgh.

The son of Channel 4 racing commentator Derek Thompson says he has little doubt his old man has put money on him scoring the opening touchdown, and is hopeful that he can deliver.

Thompson junior, who has been called up in place of ankle-injury victim Chris Paterson, is among a spate of new faces for Edinburgh following last weekend's dismal defeat by the Dragons at Newport.

Among those returning to the backs are brothers Mike and David Blair, the latter consigning Test playmaker Phil Godman to the bench.

Thompson, the grandson of former BBC voice of rugby Bill McLaren, added: "It is a shame that Mossy Paterson is injured and I feel for him. But it has created an opportunity for me and I'm looking forward to the experience.

"I have twice come on as a sub and that has really given me an insight as to where you need to be in order to play at this level and I feel like I'm a lot better equipped to do that now."

John Houston, his former Heriot's team-mate, will join Thompson in the back three for Edinburgh this evening after recovering from a long-term pelvic injury.

Houston, the newcomer of the year last season, endorsed Thompson's promotion and hopes they can rekindle their on-field understanding.

Houston said: "It is good to see Jim get a start because he is a really gifted player."

Matt Williams, the Ulster coach, has also made wholesale changes in his quest to get off the basement of the league. One of the frontline players to be dropped is Rob Dewey, the Scotland and former Edinburgh centre.

Williams, the controversial former Scotland coach, said: "Most of the changes that I have made are all based on the performance in the loss to the Ospreys in Swansea.

"On the positive front, it is great to have Paul Steinmetz back to full fitness. He had an operation during the summer and we are so pleased to finally get him back on the pitch.

"Darren Cave is back in the team; he is very strong defensively. We tried a different centre partnership against the Ospreys and it didn't work, so we are going to see if Cave and Steinmetz will work."

Williams added: "Edinburgh are a very good side. Andy Robinson is a world-class coach and their defence has improved enormously under his direction.

"They had a great win over the Scarlets a few weeks ago and played some high- quality rugby against the Dragons. They know our form has been poor of late, and will be coming over here looking for a win.

"But we want to make amends for what happened in Swansea. We all know our performance was below standard and we are looking forward to putting things right."