Determined Flannery focused on winning World Cup fitness race
The Munster man, who has been sidelined with a series of hamstring and calf problems, joined Declan Kidney’s squad at a training camp at Carton House, Kildare last week.
Kidney’s 30-man selection will be announced the week ahead of Ireland’s match against England on August 27 and Flannery remains hopeful that he will be on the plane.
He revealed that medics have discovered the cause of a problem which has caused him to miss huge chunks of both international and provincial competitions.
“I have had problems with the Achilles tendon as well as the calf and they are related. I was diagnosed with Compartment Syndrome which basically means too much pressure was being exerted on the calf muscle.
“As a consequence, it swells up, not leaving enough oxygen for the blood to circulate.
“The more exercise it has, the worse it gets. It’s a complex injury and on March 28, I had the operation.
“I am happy enough with the result. But I know there’s a long, hard road to travel just yet.”
Flannery said the key to his return is to remain “very patient” as he bids to impress Kidney on the training paddock.
He said last night: “I have to be very cautious because there is still an imbalance between one leg and the other and I won’t believe I am okay until I have come through at least one full match. I have come back several times already only to break down.
“It was a good week up in Carton and there are still a good few weeks still to go. I have put the foot to the metal in each of my attempts at recovery up to now and there have been a number of setbacks.
“The lowest point was probably last February when it went again as I tried to get back for the Six Nations but this time I am going to be a lot more patient.
“The medical team have been tremendous with me and very patient but we are determined to take things slowly. I’m still favouring my right leg and that is something we are working on. It’s a case of trying to wake up the left leg.”
A fit Flannery is considered vital to Ireland’s cause at the World Cup.
His line-out throwing, especially when in unison with Paul O’Connell, is a huge strength. Furthermore, there are few hookers as effectively explosive as a ball carrier.
Kidney is not short of alternatives for the number two jersey with Ulster’s Rory Best probably rated highest of the remainder — ahead of Seán Cronin and Damien Varley.
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