England full-back Mike Brown remains a doubt for Six Nations clash with Ireland
Wednesday 25 February 2015 13:35, UK
England head coach Stuart Lancaster admits Mike Brown's participation in Sunday's crucial Six Nations clash with Ireland remains highly doubtful.
Lancaster's side have begun their campaign with victories over Wales and Italy but may have to face their closest rivals in Dublin without the services of Harlequins full-back Brown, who was knocked unconscious during the 47-17 victory over Italy and had to restart the 'return to play' protocols.
"It's very early for me to pencil Mike in for a game at the moment," Lancaster said at the squad's Pennyhill Park training base.
"We don't know how it is going to play out because he's done stage one of the process on Monday and there could be a reaction. That will have an implication, big time.
"A lot will depend on how the next 24 hours go but a decision will have to be made within the next two days I'd say because the team need a chance to prepare with all the pieces in place.
"If he ticks the boxes successfully on a daily basis then there'll also be a conversation to be had with him about how he's feeling mentally in terms of the lack of training he's been able to do.
"I've got to be 100 per cent certain that he's right with the type of knock it was and also to go in the size of game that this is.
"On Mike's behalf I want to be 100 per cent certain he's right. I'm not being cautious, we're just following the protocols to the letter. His welfare is our primary concern and I'm simply guided by what the doctor tells me."
On Mike's behalf I want to be 100 per cent certain he's right. I'm not being cautious, we're just following the protocols to the letter. His welfare is our primary concern and I'm simply guided by what the doctor tells me.
When asked whether Saracens' Alex Goode would deputise should Brown fail to prove his fitness, Lancaster added: "We absolutely trust Alex. He's played lots of big games for us in that position.
"He's lost out in the short term because Mike has played exceptionally well, but Alex has played consistently well for England.
"He's been unlucky in the sense that the standout player in the Six Nations last year was Mike Brown in his position. He's had to wait patiently for his chance again.
"He's a different type of player to Mike in that he's equally good under the high ball, he's very good as a positional full-back and can play fly-half, so he offers that slightly different kicking option, but also the opportunity to be a first receiver/playmaker."
Lancaster is due to name his side on Friday.
