Reid An Injury Doubt For Ireland Under-18s

Ireland Under-18 Schools coach Peter Melia will learn later today if full-back Noel Reid will be available for Saturday’s U-18 Six Nations Festival clash with Scotland at Musgrave Park (kick-off 2.30pm).

Noel Reid’s last gasp search for a late try in Ireland’s 25-6 defeat to Wales last night ended in agony. The St. Michael’s College pupil’s attempt to score failed to pay off and he injured his shoulder in the process and had to be replaced by PBC Cork’s Gavin Nugent for the remainder of the game.

Reid, who kicked two first half penalties for Ireland’s only points, was immediately attended to by Ireland team doctor Ossie Fogarty after the incident.

The Ireland management will await the doctor’s report on Reid’s injury, which is due this evening before deciding on the starting line-up for the Scotland clash.

The squad are on a rest-day today before preparations for Saturday’s game begin in earnest.

England, meanwhile, have a clean bill of health following their 78-8 win over Italy. England manager Keith Gee said that there were no major concerns with the squad, apart from some bumps and bruises.

He said: “We are confident of having our entire squad of 26 available for selection for our next game against France on Saturday.”

Wales are waiting on fitness reports on Joel Galley (hamstring) and Ben John (ankle) before naming their team to play Italy this weekend.

Scotland, Ireland’s next opponents, have no major injury doubts and expect to be able to choose from a full squad ahead of their selection tomorrow.

France look likely to be without prop David Tarroque and centre Adrien Domec for their game against England at Cork IT. Tarroque needed three stitches over his eye after their loss to Scotland and he also suffered a sprained ankle in the game.

Domec twisted his knee and while both are currently being assessed, the French management are not optimistic about their chances of being available.

Finally, Italy are hopeful that out-half Enrico Michelini will be available after he suffered a knock in their opening loss to England.

For more information on the 2008 U-18 Six Nations Festival, match reports, squad details and photo galleries, please click here.