Kidney keeping fingers crossed for a clean bill of health

IRELAND rugby coach Declan Kidney is keeping his fingers crossed that he’ll have a full squad to pick from following this weekend’s round of Heineken Cup games.

The coach welcomed the news that lock Malcolm O’Kelly would be available for selection for the Six Nations. The veteran forward received a two-week suspension for stamping in Leinster’s clash with Wasps last weekend, but will be free to play for Ireland against France in the championship opener.

Kidney accepted that players getting injured on club duty was part of the job: “You’ll always have a few bangs and knocks but over the years I’ve learned that you’re always better off having 90% of the players well prepared, and if you’re missing a few for whatever reason.