LEINSTER HEAD COACH Matt O’Connor says Brian O’Driscoll was substituted in the second half of the province’s 22-18 win over Munster this evening due to a “bang on the neck.”
The outside centre looked to be in discomfort as he was escorted off the pitch at the Aviva Stadium in 67th minute, but O’Connor rejected the notion that O’Driscoll had been dazed.
“He was over the ball, just got his neck twisted. He’ll be fine… He’s just a bit tight in there. He got a bit of a bang on it in training, but the medics are pretty confident that he’ll be fine.”
Otherwise, the Australian was pleased to report that his team has not suffered further injury problems, with just over a week to go until they face Toulon in the Heineken Cup quarter-finals at Stade Mayol.
“Not too bad for a game of that intensity,” O’Connor commented, after claiming that he believes O’Driscoll will be ready for the visit to Toulon.
Munster concerns
From a Munster point of view, losing Peter O’Mahony before the game was an obvious early blow, with Penney confirming that the looming quarter-final with Toulouse next Saturday was part of the decision not to play the flanker.
He’s just had an ongoing thing with his hamstring through the Six Nations. I don’t think it’s anything too major, but once he mentioned that he was starting to feel that, we decided not to risk him.”
Will he be ok for the clash with Toulouse?
“Yeah, he should be.”
Damien Varley was hauled ashore in the 59th minute, and appeared to be in some pain. The hooker admitted to as much following the game, but is expectant of playing his part in the clash at Thomond Park next weekend.
“I just kind of twisted my foot, just got a bit of a twinge. I’ve had a bit of an issue with the sole of my foot for the last number of months. It’s an ongoing issue, so it’s probably just a bit precautionary. I came off a bit early, just in preparation for next week.”
6 goals from midfield in a relegated team is impressive. He needs to get back to Celtic and push for a starting place, tough competition there.
Good experience for him with the international set up though.
@Bert Carolan: we all know the track record on Irish players in Celtic think he’s far better to get out of there. As a player he seems to tick a lot of boxes as a solid midfielder so with a bit of luck he can make the step up at international level, attract a bit of interest and secure a transfer to a bigger club like Ogbene did.
@Aprior: The track record for Irish players might not be great at Celtic but a lot of Irish players go there, obviously there is going to be a lot of failures. You’re going to have a few Johnny Kenny’s for every Liam scales.
Utd and Pool combined have only Kelleher come through in last 10 years. Probably some Irish lads go to Celtic when they should go to a lower profile club.
@Aprior: He’ll surely get his chance preseason, best of luck to him anyway.
@Aprior: I disagree with this comment. Look at the season just had by Liam Scales and Adam Idah. I also hope Celtic fork out the required amount and sign Idah permanently or else he can return to Norwich reserves and you can continue your narrative about the Irish at Celtic. Nobody has the divine right to a jersey, that has to be earned. It also must be remembered that prior to this Lawal was seen as a defender, an average one it was a recent conversion at Fleetwood to his original position of CDM has brought the best out of him. A position both Celtic and Ireland need depth in.
Hopefully he gets a run out tomorrow night. A future star can play as a defender or a midfielder very comfortable on the ball. Best of luck Bosun.
Got to expect Jake O Brien to get a game or 2 he’s out in form Centre back we have