British and Irish Lions
Hook in line to face Emerging Springboks
Scrum.com
June 21, 2009
British & Irish Lions fly-half James Hook is helped from the field by Lions doctors after taking a head knock, Southern Kings v British & Irish Lions, Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, June 16, 2009
James Hook recovering well and could play on Tuesday © Getty Images
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The Lions are optimistic that James Hook will be fit to play in Tuesday's tour match against the Emerging Springboks at Newlands. Doctor James Robson has reported the player continues to recover well from head and neck injuries sustained in last week's midweek match against the Southern Kings in Port Elizabeth.

Robson said Hook continued to make a good recovery and was hopeful that he would pass an independent neurological assessment on Monday before the team was picked for the match in Cape Town.

Hook was hurt in the first half of the Lions' win last Tuesday when he was caught by the flailing arm of Wylie Human. If he had not been injured then he could well have featured on the bench in Saturday's first Test because of his versatility and goal kicking.

Robson confirmed that Stephen Ferris, the Ireland back row who injured a knee two weeks ago in training, would not play again on tour. Despite the flanker making significant progress, the Scottish official confirmed he would not be fit.

Overall Robson delivered an upbeat injury report on the players who lost in Durban. He hopes Lee Byrne (foot) and Tommy Bowe (elbow) should be fit for selection for Tuesday's game if the management wanted them to play.

Up front, Robson said that Tom Croft, the scorer of two tries, had improved massively overnight after complaining of a strained calf and twisted knee. "He's done a very good pool session so looks to be well," he said. Elsewhere in the forwards, Gethin Jenkins, Lee Mears and Adam Jones were all recovering from minor bumps and bruises.

Robson said that Brian O'Driscoll had not suffered from any concussion when he received treatment towards the end of the second half.

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