Victor Costello has not given up in his battle to be fit in time for Ireland's Five Nations Championship match with Wales at Wembley on Saturday week. The St Mary's College number eight had appeared to be ruled out of that tie after he limped out of the defeat by France last weekend with torn rib cartilage.
The initial prognosis was that he would be out of action for three weeks. Costello said in the immediate aftermath: "I don't remember much about the incident other than it happened in front of our own posts. I knew I was in serious trouble when I bent down to flick the ball to Conor (McGuinness) at the next scrum. My whole side ached and I found it difficult to straighten." Costello departed immediately and spent the last 10 minutes in the medical room. His disappointment in the defeat Ireland suffered distracted him from the damage sustained to his ribs.
The Irish team management had resigned themselves to being without him for the Welsh game but a significant improvement in the injury has offered a glimmer of hope. Costello confirmed: "The cartilage is torn but I have already started work on rehabilitating the injury.
"I have been working hard in the pool and also doing some cycling and while it still hurts I haven't given up hope of being able to make the Welsh match. I'd say that at the moment it is probably 50-50 but I certainly haven't counted myself out. I won't play, or be allowed to for that matter, unless I'm 100 per cent. If I don't make Wembley, I'll certainly be ready for the following weekend."
Irish team manager Donal Lenihan was similarly upbeat. "His injury is improving rapidly and we will facilitate him in terms of recovery time. We will name him in the squad for the match and probably give him until Monday to prove his fitness."
The news of Ireland's other casualties is better. Jonathan Bell, who sustained a neck injury early in last Saturday's match will be ready in time for the Welsh game, although he will not play for Dungannon in their AIB League tie against Old Crescent at the weekend.
Jeremy Davidson contacted the Irish management yesterday confirming that his haematoma is responding to treatment. He is unlikely to play for Castres at the weekend. His problem is not a concern to the national management. Andy Ward, who missed the defeat by France with strained knee ligaments, may play for half of Ballynahinch's Division Two match against Old Belvedere at Anglesea Road. Lenihan stressed: "Andy has not been asked to prove his fitness by playing. We are quite happy that he has recovered and will therefore not have to prove his fitness in a competitive arena."
The Irish squad for the Welsh match will be announced later today and Lenihan confirmed that it will number about 24 players. Ward and, possibly, London Irish wing Niall Woods could be the two players added to the squad. The team will not be picked until early next week.
