Exiles sweat on Catt
April 23 2008
London Irish player/coach Mike Catt remains hopeful that he will be fit to play in his side's Heineken Cup semi-final against Toulouse on Saturday.
The veteran back, who remains in the running to join Martin Johnson's new-look England set-up, has been struggling with a nerve-related problem which affects his hamstring and calf.
The injury forced the 36-year-old to limp off in the quarter-final victory over Perpignan, however Catt is refusing to rule out leading the Exiles from the front at Twickenham.
"It's progressing nicely and I'm feeling good at the moment," he told The Guardian.
"It's a huge temptation to play but I've been in this situation so many times that it's nothing new to me. If I can't play I can't play and I'll move on to the next one."
While his 2003 World Cup-winning team-mate Richard Hill will put his body on the line again in the other semi-final between Saracens and Munster before bowing out at the end of the season, Catt is in no mood to bow out just yet.
"I've got another year on my contract and if my body holds up and I have a really good pre-season then we'll see," he added.
Meanwhile, Shane Geraghty has hailed director of rugby Brian Smith's attacking instincts for leading London Irish to the last four of the Heineken Cup.
The Exiles have never played in the semi-finals of competition before, however they will tackle Toulouse at Twickenham on Saturday with one eye on the final.
With Toulouse boasting a formidable backline of their own, including the likes of Jean-Baptiste Elissalde and Cedric Heymans, a thrilling game could be in store.
And Geraghty believes the attacking mentality Smith has instilled in the Irish squad will be key.
"When our director of rugby Brian Smith arrived, the whole mindset of the team changed," the talented fly-half said.
"He brought an Australian style whereby we attack from our own 22 if it's on.
"People say it's risky but it's a clever way to play - players have their heads up and make the decisions that matter.
"London Irish haven't been in the semi-finals before and these are the type of games you want to start and play well in.
"It's a great opportunity to prove yourself to your fans and team-mates."