Keith Wood: is not ready to hang up his boots just yet

KEITH WOOD insisted last night he is not despondent at his latest serious injury setback and said he could be back to challenge for a place in the latter stages of the Six Nations.

Wood underwent surgery on his right shoulder at the weekend and while the operation was success, it is unlikely he will be unable to play for eight weeks at the earliest. Ireland play Wales on March 22 and England eight days later.

"I am not too despondent because the operation went well," said the 31 year-old hooker whose season has been blighted by injury "All the mess in there was cleaned up and there was no need for any structural work. It could have been a lot worse because if the tendons were damaged, then it could have been the end."