Balding raring to go

By Simon Yau  

Balding raring to go

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Gloucester number eight Adam Balding has declared himself fit and raring to go following his recovery from a fractured cheekbone.

The England A international has been out of action since September 4 following a collision with Worcester Warriors' Drew Hickey that left him with a triple-fracture of his cheekbone.

Balding has now recovered from the injury and is pushing for a place in coach Dean Ryan's 22-man squad for Saturday's Guinness Premiership encounter against Newcastle.

"I am not sure what level of involvement I could get but anything is a positive step for me," Balding told the official Gloucester website.

"It's been a really hard few months but I just want to put everything behind me and concentrate on getting back in the team.

"I worked very hard during pre-season to get myself in shape but I have never felt in better condition than I do at the moment and my next step is to get some game time.

"Physically and mentally I could not be better prepared and I really looking forward to the opportunity - whenever it arrives."

Such was the extent of Balding's injury that he required metal plates to be inserted into his eye socket and cheek following the incident at Sixways.

"I firmly believe that what makes a man a man is his ability to deal with situations, however unpleasant, and move on," Balding added. "I have done that and feel good about myself."

Meanwhile Jon Goodridge has made good progress following his hip injury, while Jake Boer (toe) and Terry Fanolua (knee) will be assessed prior to the squad announcement.