Fab rushed to aid of side..but at what cost?

FABULOUS Flournoy went against the best advice of Newcastle’s medical team in a last-gasp bid to bolster an injury-ravaged Eagles roster.

And the veteran New Yorker could pay a heavy price for his unexpected return as he faces a race against time to be fit for Friday’s homecourt clash against Manchester Giants.

Flournoy and Darius Defoe were the surprise names on Newcastle’s bench last Friday following news that leading scorer Jaysean Paige had been ruled out.

But the Eagles playcaller admitted: “I wasn’t ready. In an ideal world I needed another week but when Jaysean went down we had no time to change our plans.

“I’d been helping the guys to prepare for the Worcester game all week so I knew the gameplan inside out.

“It was too late to rip things up and start again and we didn’t really have another option.

“On reflection it did Darius the world of good easing back into the BBL with eight minutes.

“But did it help me? Yes and no. Let’s just say I’m not very popular with certain members of staff right now.”

Paige was the fourth Eagles player to suffer an ankle knock this season after Saah Nimley, Terry Martin and Flournoy all went down with the similar injuries.

And Newcastle’s medical staff are considering whether a flurry of lower leg problems are more than simple coincidence.

“The question has been asked in terms of what we’re doing in practice and the irony of the situation is that there are preventative measures in place,” added Flournoy.

“We are conscious of the fact that a few of the guys have gone down with ankle injuries – including me – and we have looked at things very carefully.

“We’re still waiting for the results of Jaysean’s scans and we’re just hoping it’s not a longterm thing.

“Right now we’re dealing with things on a day-to-day basis and I honestly don’t know who will be available for the Giants clash.”

Drew Lasker was due to arrive back on Tyneside late last night following his Commonwealth Games adventure with England.

And Defoe has responded well to his brief run-out against the Wolves following a month-long absence from the BBL.

Both players – along with Flournoy - face late fitness tests.