Pair to take centre stage in showdown

TEAROHA Keenan will make a late call on centre pairing Brie Grierson and Jaydene Robinson ahead of tonight’s Netball Superleague showdown against Team Bath.

Team Northumbria’s final homecourt clash of the campaign provides the hosts with a chance to pull nine points clear of bottom club Celtic Dragons.

But Keenan is sweating on the fitness of two of her young guns with veteran Vicky Burgess once again poised to step in.

Burgess started the season as assistant coach with no intention of pulling on a TN dress.

But the Hartlepool wing defence has been an ever-present as a succession of injuries have seen her play a key role on court.

“Jaydene has had a couple of weeks out of the side to recover from an injury but we had always pencilled in the Bath game for her return,” said Keenan.

“Brie is a concern after she picked up a knock last week and if she misses out, it will mean a significant reshuffle.

“She’s been playing very well lately and would be a big miss for many reasons. We’ll have to wait and see.”

Robinson will be keen to make her mark in the final four matches of the 2017 season with three away trips following tonight’s last Sport Central fixture.

The emerging centre was sent off in successive games earlier this season, earning a one-match suspension and ultimately losing her starting seven spot.

But Keenan is keen to stick with Robinson and unlock the potential of a player who has flattered to deceive in a TN dress.

The Kiwi playcaller will also be hoping fellow New Zealander Chiara Semple returns from international duty firing on all cylinders.

The dual national has spent a week training with England Under 21s and Keenan added: “It’s been a tough week for Chi and it’s not ideal preparation from our point of view.

“But we’re very supportive of what she wants to achieve at the highest level and we want her to be a big success.”

TN came close to causing an upset at Bath earlier this season only to fall away in the final minutes.

But Keenan added: “They are a far better team now and they looked very impressive in their win against Wasps last week.

“We will have our work cut out but of course we want to sign off with a good performance at home.

“Our fans have been brilliant all season.”