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Page last updated at 13:58 GMT, Wednesday, 11 February 2009

Tigers coach has faith in squad

Matt O'Connor
O'Connor moved to Welford Road in the summer

Leicester Tigers backs coach Matt O'Connor says his side can cope with their fly-half crisis when they take on London Wasps at Adams Park on Sunday.

Toby Flood is on international duty with England and Derick Hougaard is out after having his appendix removed.

But O'Connor told BBC Radio Leicester: "We have looked at a couple of options this week namely Aaron Mauger and Sam Vesty rotating.

"And I dare say you'll see a combination of that on Sunday."

But whatever the line-up, O'Connor is confident Tigers will be in good shape come the weekend.

"We have a few guys out injured, a few guys on international duty, a few guys coming back who haven't played a lot of footie but I think we will be able to put together a really good quality squad.

"It's unfortunate for Derek. With Floody away this was going to be a great opportunity for him to cement that spot and play a couple of games back-to-back which he has been really craving."

And O'Connor has faith that the fringe players will be able to stand up to the rigours of such a demanding encounter against their fierce rivals.

"Guys are in pretty good physical condition these days," O'Connor explained.

"It is an issue in relation to game time but if you hit the right things in training you can prepare guys to play big games without a lot of footie."

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see also
Vesty eager to seize opportunity
12 Feb 09 |  Leicester
O'Connor named Tigers backs coach
13 Aug 08 |  Leicester
Tigers complete Hougaard signing
13 Jul 08 |  Leicester


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