Injured Newcastle players take key role in training

4:19pm Wednesday 12th November 2008

THEY might be sidelined through injury, but seasoned internationals Jonny Wilkinson and Carl Hayman have still performed key coaching roles as Newcastle Falcons prepare for this weekends Guinness Premiership clash with London Irish.

Wilkinson and Hayman are both nursing knee injuries, and neither is expected to return to first-team action for at least another fortnight.

But rather than closeting themselves away as they battle back to full fitness, the pair have been in the thick of things on the training ground this week as the Falcons prepare to host London Irish on Sunday.

"Despite being unable to play, Carl has still been around the squad over the past fortnight doing some coaching," said Newcastle assistant coach Ian Peel.

"To have someone of his ability able to pass on his know-how to the squad is a really valuable resource, and as well as their usual training the forwards have also benefited from having Carl doing a few bits and pieces with them out on the practice field.

"Likewise in the backs, Jonny Wilkinson is also around and keen to help the team even though he is injured, so for the players to have that calibre of person on hand is obviously very useful.

"Even if its just to say well done to some of the younger players or to offer a word of advice after training, they are there on the sidelines every day which shows the great team spirit we have here at the moment."

While Haymans physical presence will be missed as the Falcons take on a London Irish side who are six points clear of Newcastle in the Premiership table, Falcons head coach Steve Bates will be able to call upon some fit-again forwards this weekend.

"Having Carl out with a knee injury is obviously a blow," said Peel. "But then as a bonus we have Davey Wilson back fit and available for this weekend much sooner than expected.

"Geoff Parling is another to be back available for selection after breaking his cheekbone, Andy Buist is very close and Pete Browne has resumed training this week as well, so were gradually getting some guys back which is obviously good news."

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