Ulster Hopeful That Gilroy Will Be Available

Winger Craig Gilroy suffered a broken nose and concussion during Ulster’s Heineken Cup pool victory over Montpellier at Ravenhill on Friday night.

Ulster have confirmed that Craig Gilroy is seeing a specialist this evening and will follow the normal return-to-play protocols.

Meanwhile, prop Declan Fitzpatrick also suffered concussion in the game. He too is being managed in the return-to-play programme.

A number of other players sat out training today with minor injuries, however none are expected to miss the all-important clash with Tigers at Welford Road next Saturday (kick-off 6pm).

Tommy Bowe continues to recover well from the injury that he sustained playing for Ireland in November, but it is not expected that the Ireland and Lions winger will be available for selection this week.

“It’s touch and go (with Tommy). Most probably unlikely at this stage,” admitted Ulster head coach Mark Anscombe.

Speaking about the challenge facing his side in Leicester, he said: “They are the English champions, they have a great track record in both their own league and the Heineken Cup so it’s going to be a tough task.

“It is one that we have to embrace and look forward to. For those guys that don’t play international rugby, it doesn’t come bigger than this.

“It’s going to be a full house there and they bring their team home there in the same way that our fans do at Ravenhill, so that makes it more formidable.

“The fact is if you are going to win the Heineken Cup, or even be a contender, you have to win big games in daunting grounds like Welford Road. You can’t win the competition just playing at home.

“We know that we have a tough task but we are looking forward to it and we need to make sure that we go there and don’t sell ourselves short.

“We have to really back ourselves and back what we do well and believe in ourselves to do well.”