O’Connell signals Lions intent

Paul O’Connell gave British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland a timely boost yesterday by announcing his availability for the summer tour to Australia.

The Irishman, captain when the tourists visited South Africa in2009, hopes to have put a series of injury problems behind him and get back on the field of play by early April, giving him time to prove fitness and form to the New Zealander.

O’Connell had successful surgery in Dublin yesterday to solve a back injury that has plagued him for months, following hot on the heels of long-term knee problem.