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Stephen Ferris of Ulster vaults Connacht prop Nathan White. ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy
Heineken Cup

Ferris and Williams in contention to face Glasgow Warriors

The back row duo have handed Ulster coach Mark Anscombe a boost ahead of their Pool 4 clash.

ULSTER HAVE BEEN boosted by the news that Stephen Ferris and Nick Williams are in contention to face Glasgow Warriors in the Heineken Cup on Friday.

The back row duo missed out on their side’s comprehensive 41-17 win over Castres at the weekend but Ulster management are hopeful that they will be fully fit to line out at Scotstoun in three days’ time.

Williams’ form so far this season has been a revelation but a rib injury saw him sit out the victory over the French outfit.

Ferris had been included in the starting line-up only for a back spasm to intervene and lead to a switch-about with the back row personnel. Mike McComish was drafted in and, by most accounts, performed with zeal.

A statement from the club today read, “Ferris is responding well to treatment on his back, while Williams (ribs) will also be given as much time as possible to prove his fitness.”

Roger Wilson, signed from Northampton Saints in the off-season, played 40 minutes, in the Number 8 position, for the Ulster Ravens at the weekend but is not yet ready for a return to the senior side.

Out-half Niall O’Connor, who joined the province from Connacht in the summer, is included in the preliminary squad after an ‘impressive’ showing for the Ravens in their win over Bridgend.

Robbie Diack and Declan Fitzpatrick have returned to training following injuries but will not be considered for this weekend.

Extended, 28-man squad:

Forwards: Rory Best, Rob Herring, Nigel Brady, Callum Black, John Afoa, Tom Court, Adam Macklin, Neil McComb, Dan Tuohy, Lewis Stevenson, Johann Muller, Iain Henderson, Stephen Ferris, Mike McComish, Chris Henry, Nick Williams.

Backs: Paul Marshall, Ruan Pienaar, Niall O’Connor, Paddy Jackson, Luke Marshall, Paddy Wallace, Darren Cave, Craig Gilroy, Andrew Trimble, Tommy Bowe, Jared Payne.

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