Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Cameron Heyward has admitted that he wanted to face Tom Brady in his side's 2015 season opener against the New England Patriots.

The 38-year-old had his suspension for the deflategate scandal overturned by US district judge Richard Berman, allowing him to play against the Steelers.

Heyward has confessed that he was pleased to see the decision so that he and his teammates can face off against the three-time Super Bowl MVP.

When asked if he would prefer to face the Patriots' backup Jimmy Garoppolo, Heyward told reporters: "It wouldn't be better if you beat him.

"Our best against their best. Number seven's [Ben Roethlisberger] gonna be there and 12's [Brady] gonna be there. So let's join the party."

The Steelers face the Patriots at Gillette Stadium next Thursday.