It’s clear new City signing is going to be.. RYAN MIGHTY!
Ford fears the absence of England’s main Man
Rugby Reporter
GEORGE Ford admits England can ill afford to lose Manu Tuilagi for any of their remaining Six Nations games as a groin problem threatens his ongoing involvement.
A comprehensive 24-17 defeat by France in Paris was compounded by the loss of Tuilagi in the 16th minute, and Eddie Jones is waiting for the results of medical checks with an update expected by today. The Leicester centre’s departure robbed England of their most effective carrier and, given his international career was previously put on extended hold because of a serious groin injury, no risks will be taken ahead of Saturday’s trip to Murrayfield.
Tuilagi entered the Six Nations having played just one match in six weeks because of another groin issue and
Ford, his club teammate, knows he is an indispensable part of the midfield. “It was disappointing for Manu. He’s a big player for us and what he brings to our game,” Ford said. “Most importantly, I hope he’s all right and that his injury isn’t too bad. I’m not too sure what it is specifically, but I’m sure he will do his best to get back out there.”
Ford refuses to excuse the dire nature of the first half of an error-ridden defeat that places England on the fringe of the title race after just one round.
“The first half was disappointing. Not good enough,” said Ford after England had gone 24-0 down before fighting back through two Jonny May tries. “Our intent and attitude were all right but when France are playing well and you let them into the game, that’s what can happen. It was a lot better in the second half.’’
England name their team to face Scotland on Thursday.
NEW Coventry City signing Ryan Giles has told manager Mark Robins exactly what he wants to do during his three-month stay with the Sky Blues.
Ryan Giles joined the promotionchasing League One club from Premier League Wolverhampton Wanderers late on Friday’s January transfer window deadline day.
The deal came out of the blue for City fans who had been told by Robins that he wasn’t signing anyone in the mid-term window.
And when it emerged that the 20-year-old was joining many wondered where he would fit in and what he’d add to an already impressive squad packed with talented options.
“I wasn’t doing any business and then it just came up,” explained the City boss, who revealed he’s had Giles – known for his blistering pace – on his radar for the last two years.
“I asked if we could do it and they said yes, so I am grateful to the club for that.
“And I managed to bring one in who will give us some legs. He’s looking forward to it.
“He wants to smash it. That’s his phrase.”
Giles is a versatile player who can play in a host of positions down the left and left of centre, and whom reminded Robins of his quality in the December defeat at Shrewsbury Town when he went on as a secondhalf substitute and set up the winner for Sam Ricketts’ Shrews.
“He’s Premier League quality at times and we have been on the end of one of his brilliant crosses at Shrewsbury, so I am delighted to get him,” he said of the player who was wanted back by Shrewsbury for the second-half of the season.
“There was a lot of interest, in fairness, so I am delighted he chose us.
“It’s one who came out of the woodwork late on and we were able to get it over the line, which is fantastic.
“He’s still a young man but he can fill a number of roles.
“He can do left-back, left wingback, he can do left side or top of the box and can play on the wing.”
Asked what his standout quality is, Robins said: “He’s got pace, he’s got quality and he’s got great crosses on the run and puts in really good quality. He’s a good player make no mistake!”
Giles wasn’t registered in time to feature at Bristol Rovers at the weekend and won’t feature against Birmingham City tonight because he’s already featured in the FA Cup for Shrewsbury this season, and is therefore cup-tied.
He should be available for Saturday’s St Andrew’s clash with
Bolton Wanderers and next Tuesday’s ‘home’ game with Portsmouth, against whom Giles scored to secure a 1-0 opening-day victory for the Shrews on a dream debut back in August.
And the player has been on Robins’ radar for some time, the manager explaining: “Yes, he’s been part of the recruitment process and had him on there for a couple of years.
“We tried to get him before and not done it. It’s just not been quite the right time and obviously with Sam McCallum and Brandon Mason it just hasn’t been the right time. You don’t know how Sam is going to react (to his move), although I think I do know, but it gives me other options as well where I can adjust things.
“Although we had Jordy Hiwula who was flying with the goals last year, this year it is changing a little bit and I just wanted to take the opportunity to make sure we have got enough in that area,” Robins added.
“Again, everyone has to fight for their places.
“There are a lot of games coming up so the squad will probably be used on Tuesday night and we have to think about Bolton on Saturday and Portsmouth on Tuesday.” Asked whether getting Giles in now lays a few foundations for the player to return on a season-long loan next season when the club will be a leftback down, with McCallum joining his new side Norwich City in the summer, Robins said: “Maybe, but I’m glad we have got him for the next three months and let’s see what happens at the end of the season.”
He’s got pace, he’s got quality and he’s got great crosses on the run and puts in really good quality. He’s a good player.
Mark Robins