O'Driscoll plays down injury fears - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

O'Driscoll plays down injury fears

By Julian Guyer 24/05/2009 09:56:29 AM Comments (0)

Brian O'Driscoll is optimistic the shoulder injury he suffered during Leinster's European Cup final win over Leicester would not harm his chances of playing for the British and Irish Lions.

Inspirational Ireland captain O'Driscoll, who this season led his country to the Six Nations grand slam - their first clean sweep in 61 years - went down clutching his shoulder during the second-half of Leinster's 19-16 victory at Murrayfield on Saturday.

But the gifted centre, set to be a key figure when the Lions face world champions South Africa in a three-Test series starting in June, got back on his feet and then made the break that set up Leinster's match-winning penalty.

"I've been struggling a little bit with a bit of nerve trouble on that side," said O'Driscoll, whose 2005 Lions tour was cut short.

"It'll just take a little bit of mind endurance over the summer but hopefully it will be OK."

O'Driscoll's assessment of his fitness was endorsed by Leinster coach Michael Cheika.

"He knows how to manage himself well and he knew that he just needed a few minutes on the sideline there," the Australian said.

"There was no way he was coming off in that game. Even if I tried, I think I probably could have got the (Cristiano) Ronaldo treatment if he came off."

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