Monye eyes France comeback

Winger ready for swift return after neck injury

Last updated: 15th March 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Monye eyes France comeback

Monye leaves Murrayfield

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Ugo Monye is expecting to be considered for selection for the game against France on Saturday despite being carried off during England's 15-15 draw in Scotland.

The winger suffered a neck injury following a clash of heads with Scotland flanker Kelly Brown and was stretchered from the field in a brace.

And although Monye is still feeling the after-effects of the clash, the Harlequins player has his sights on Grand Slam-chasing France in Paris this weekend.

"I had pain down the right side of my neck and pins and needles, and I still have some of that in my right arm and will be working very closely with the England medical guys at our team hotel," Monye told the Evening Standard.

"I would love to be involved in the match with France and expect to be able to take part in full contact sessions this week with the rest of the squad."

Evans

The incident came just a fortnight after Scotland winger Thom Evans suffered a serious neck injury against Wales, and Murrayfield medics were not taking any chances on Saturday.

"The care I received at the ground and in the hospital was fantastic and I realise that my arguing about the need to be carried off after the injury was due to me being dazed," Monye added.

"I hate any fuss but with Thom Evans, the Scotland wing, having suffered a serious neck injury against Wales, they were absolutely right to take those precautions."

Sale fly-half Charlie Hodgson has been drafted into the England squad as precautionary injury cover for Jonny Wilkinson.

Wilkinson suffered a blow to the head during England's 15-15 draw with Scotland last Saturday and had to be replaced early in the second half.

Hodgson, who last played for England on the ill-fated tour of New Zealand in 2008, was briefly drafted into the squad earlier in the tournament after Wilkinson complained of a thigh problem.

Under-fire fly-half Jonny Wilkinson is being assessed by the England medical team, but had stated his confidence in being available.

"I've got a stiff neck and I'm sore but I'm definitely fit for selection," he said.