Ross not giving up on late Lions call

Mike Ross spoke yesterday of his disappointment at being left out of the Lions squad but insisted he hasn’t given up hope of being handed a belated opportunity to make a mark in Australia.

Warren Gatland’s preference for England’s Matt Stevens over the Leinster and Ireland tighthead prop for the 37-man touring party came as something of a surprise even if it didn’t create as many ripples as those caused by the choice of Dylan Hartley over Rory Best.

“The next tour is four years away and that is a long time,” said Ross. “Who knows what will happen, whether I’d even be there, but at the same time I hope they do well because they have a good squad and good luck to them.

“I’m really looking forward to see what happens.”

Lions assistant coach Graham Rowntree spoke positively about Ross’ candidacy on the day the selection was made in London and, as one of those informed that he was under consideration prior to that, he is effectively on stand-by in the event of injury.

“Well you have been informed previously you are part of the wider squad, so that means you are probably on injury standby. I don’t know how many got that call but we have to keep trucking away until the Tests come about.”

As things stand, he is available for selection for Ireland’s tour to North America next month before which he must see to duties against Stade Francais in Friday’s Amlin Challenge Cup final and the RaboDirect PRO12 decider against Ulster eight days later.

It is hardly a forlorn hope. Ten of the 37-man squad chosen in 2009 were replaced before or during the tour to South Africa due to injury or suspension. Among them were two props, Adam Jones and Euan Murray, with the latter replaced by John Hayes.