Cullen will not feature in Heineken Cup pool games

ALAN GAFFNEY last night finally dismissed the chances of Christian Cullen playing in any of the Heineken Cup pool matches.

The New Zealander saw his surgeon in Dublin on Thursday and the good news is that his recuperation is ahead of schedule. He will now be able to get in some gym work and training but there is no question of getting into contact for the foreseeable future.

“There have been no hiccups and Christian has been a model patient, very professional about the shoulder injury, but it would be unthinkable to press him into action before he is fully ready”, said Gaffney.

“He must not overdo it or he could set himself back. All going well, he may be available by mid-February for the Celtic League matches against Llanelli away and Swansea-Neath Ospreys at Musgrave Park.”