|
Page 2 of 2 WALES star Kevin Morgan has vowed to fight back again after being ruled out of the Six Nations championship.
I was talking to his very proud mum only the day after his injury, she like Kevin was relieved that the initial x-rays had shown no fractures, unfortunately once again the injury curse has bitten and the injury has proven to be even more serious than it first appeared.
Morgan was injured during the Dragons' Celtic League defeat to the Blues on Tuesday and a scan yesterday revealed the full-back had dislocated his left foot. The 36-times capped Morgan has been booked in for an operation next week to screw the main bone of the foot back to the ankle - but the 28-year-old star was in defiant mood last night when he spoke to the Western Mail. "I've always fought back in the past and I intend to do so again," said Morgan, who overcame his extensive injury problems last season to play a key part in Wales' Grand Slam glory."I don't know whether I'll be able to play again this season. I might be able to but I'll have to see how it goes. I'll be in plaster for eight weeks... and I wish now I had kept my old crutches! It's so disappointing after the great season I had last year. I just remember being tackled and one of the Blues forwards falling on my foot. It was stuck and just dislocated. Maybe I shouldn't have talked about being injury-free during the summer. I must have tempted fate." Morgan was a shining light for Wales last season after forcing his way into the team, first as a winger and then as a replacement for injured skipper Gareth Thomas at full-back. Dubbed "The Knife" by team-mates for his ability to cut through the line, he hit the richest form of his career since leaving his beloved Pontypridd. He crossed twice during the demolition of Scotland and scored the decisive try against Ireland that ensured a first European title in 11 years and a first clean sweep in 27. Morgan signed a contract extension with the Dragons earlier this year, lengthening his current deal to the end of next season, and his absence is a huge blow both for the Gwent region and for Wales coach Mike Ruddock. "I'm gutted he's out for the Six Nations, but more gutted for Kevin," said Ruddock. "He's been so unlucky with injuries - such a talented player could have won 136 caps - but in some ways his very bravery costs him.But if anyone can come back and be better than ever it's Kevin, he has such a strong mind-set." Dragons coach Paul Turner - whose side are one place off the bottom of the Celtic League and already out of Europe - was equally dismayed about Morgan's long layoff. "Kevin has had no luck with injuries in recent seasons and once again he has been struck down at a crucial time," said Turner. It's a massive blow for the region and for Wales. We are told that he will be out for around four months, so that just about rules him out for the season." Dragons rugby manager Jim McCreedy added, "It is a bitter blow for Morgan as he is an influential player both for the Dragons and Wales. We wish him a speedy recovery." On the national front the loss of Morgan is the latest in an exhausting list of problems for Ruddock as he prepares for the Six Nations opener against England at Twickenham on February 4. Wales are already without abrasive lock Brent Cockbain (hamstring) and British Lions back-row star Ryan Jones (shoulder reconstruction). Fellow Lion Tom Shanklin (knee) is not expected to recover in time while his centre partner Gavin Henson is due to miss the clashes with England, Scotland and Ireland through suspension. Though his region, the Ospreys, are considering an appeal against the severity of Henson's 10-week ban, the centre is currently banned until early March.There are also doubts about the availability of veteran centre Mark Taylor because of a tug-of-war between Sale Sharks and Wales. However, Ruddock insists Wales have unearthed enough strength in depth to overcome their problems, pointing out that hooker Rhys Thomas, tighthead prop Chris Horsman and centre Matthew Watkins played significant roles in the first triumph over Australia in 18 years last month. "You look around every position and there's real competition and debates about combinations," said Ruddock. "We have had the likes of Chris, Rhys, Matthew and Lee Byrne all come in. They have put their hands up for selection. Competition for places is crucial and we have blooded these guys who now know what international rugby is all about. We are really confident in our ability and can once again produce what we did last season." The return from injury of Dragons centre or wing Hal Luscombe, who was first choice at the start of last season's Six Nations before being injured, Scarlets wing Mark Jones and Blues centre Jamie Robinson, has increased Ruddock's options. Blues captain Rhys Williams is also showing signs of a return to top form while Ospreys wing Richard Mustoe is emerging as a real game-breaker. Mustoe's timing of his bursts onto passes and his Morgan-like ability to run the clever angles that pierce defences could also put him in the Six Nations equation. All at Pontypridd RFC and Teamponty.net wish Kevin a speedy recovery, a quick return to form and the best of luck with his Masters Degree.
 Add as favourites (18) |  Quote this article on your site | Views: 989
Powered by AkoComment Tweaked Special Edition v.1.4.6
AkoComment © Copyright 2004 by Arthur Konze - www.mamboportal.com
All right reserved
|
![BBCi: Javascript is not available on this browser](http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/shared/bsp/hi/services/htmlsyndication/img/synd_js_error_js-inactive.gif")
