Ospreys hopeful wing Walker will be fit for Saracens clash

Apr 3 2008 by Gareth Griffiths, South Wales Echo

THE Ospreys are sweating on the fitness of Scottish wing Nikki Walker ahead of their Heineken Cup quarter-final trip to face Saracens on Sunday at Vicarage Road.

Walker suffered a recurrence of ankle trouble during the region’s 32-7 Magners League victory over Ulster last Friday and the region will make a final decision on the Scottish powerhouse tomorrow when they outline their starting line-up.

“We are assessing the situation on a daily basis and will make a final decision on Friday,” said Ospreys coach Lyn Jones.

“He had a great game against Ulster and took his try superbly.

“We do have an excellent alternative in Jonny Vaughton.

“We are hopeful on Nikki, but we’ll see how it goes.”

The Ospreys have already lost Wales scrum-half Mike Phillips who has been ruled out for six months after suffering a knee injury during the EDF Energy Cup semi-final clash against Saracens.

His absence will see former All Blacks scrum-half Justin Marshall play in the scrum-half shirt for the remaining games of the season after battling it out with Phillips for the number one spot at the Liberty Stadium.

“Some people have told me that the rivalry has spurred me on, but personally I disagree,” said Marshall.

“Throughout my career I’ve always had people snapping at my heels so there’s been nothing different this season.

“I’ve always had to be aware I needed to be at the top of my game.

“The rivalry with Mike has always had an edge to it, but that’s because of elements within my personality.”