Marinos Given All Clear For Scotland
Newport centre Andy Marinos has been given the go-ahead to play against
Scotland in next weekend’s Lloyds TSB Six Nations finale at the Millennium
Stadium.
Marinos suffered a compound dislocation of the little finger on his right hand at the start of the second half at Twickenham and had to undergo surgery immediately after that game.
His hand was put in a plaster cast for five days and he was forced to miss
holders Newport’s Principality Cup quarter-final showdown with Cardiff.
But after the bitter upset of missing the Cardiff clash, Marinos got some good news from the doctors today when he received the all clear to start training again.
“If wanted, and if selected, then I’ll be ready to face Scotland next week.
I’ve been given the all-clear by the doctors and I’m starting training straight away,” said Marinos.
“I had to have six stitches put into the wound after the game at Twickenham
and they put the plaster cast on my hand to give the injury extra
protection.
“I played for 35 minutes after the injury happened against England and the
only difficulty it posed was with passing. But I’ve already got good
movement in the finger and if I get it properly strapped next week there
should be no problems.
“I’d love to play against Scotland, escpecially as they have such a
powerful midfield unit.”
The Newport star knows all about the capabilities of Scottish outside half
Gregor Townsend, having played against him in the Heineken Cup, while he first encountered John Leslie in the Super 12.
“I have a huge regard for John Leslie – he is a fantatisc footballer. I rate him one of the best centres in the world,” said Marinos.
“I played against him when he was playing for Otago in the Super 12 competition and you have to keep your eye on him every second. Then the Scots have got James McLaren to play with him and form a very powerful midfield.
“I would love to get the chance to have a crack against them and I hope I can keep my place in the team. I’m learning with every game at international level and I’m desperately keen to hold onto my place.”
