Leicester Tigers head coach Steve Borthwick has praised Tom Youngs ahead of what could be the club captain's 200th appearance on Friday evening against Sale Sharks at Mattioli Woods Welford Road.
"Tom is a homegrown Tigers player, came through the academy system and has played here at Leicester Tigers his whole career," said Borthwick.
"He lives and breathes Leicester Tigers and would do anything for the club."
The Tigers head coach said Youngs was a player team-mates "follow" through the character he displays on and off the pitch.
"It's a credit to Tom what he has achieved in his career, with Tigers, England and the British Lions and hopefully there is plenty more to achieve in his career," added Borthwick.
"Tom is the type of character that every player will follow."
Youngs, who made his 199th appearance almost a month ago in Leicester's Gallagher Premiership victory over long-time rivals Bath, has seen three potential fixtures cancelled while waiting for the milestone match.
"He lives and breathes Leicester Tigers and would do anything for the club"
Steve Borthwick on Tom Youngs
Following the arrival of Argentina international Julián Montoya in Leicester during the suspended European campaign, Youngs is also now one of five senior hookers in contention for a place in the return to action against the Sharks in Round 7.
Speaking at the club's Oval Park training ground in the build-up to Friday night, Youngs said the competition for places was of huge benefit to the Tigers.
"It is only a good thing for the club, for the whole squad," said Youngs.
"He [Julián Montoya] has played a lot of international rugby for Argentina, Super Rugby and it's great to have him here at Leicester Tigers."
Youngs also admits the arrival of Montoya has given him a chance to pick the brain of a fellow international and grow his own game.
"You always want to keep learning, keep getting better and having Julián here has given me a chance to do that," the Tigers skipper said.
"I want to keep learning and if I can pick his brain, in different ways, and he can do the same with me and all of us in the front-row, it's a good thing for the club."
The Leicester Tigers team for Round 7 of the 2020/21 Gallagher Premiership season will be announced on Thursday (January 28) at 12.00pm on LeicesterTigers.com and via the Official Tigers App.
