Delon Armitage could miss England internationals
London Irish and England full-back could miss the Autumn internationals after suffering a suspected dislocated shoulder
14 September 2009
DELON ARMITAGE could miss England’s Autumn internationals after suffering a suspected dislocated shoulder in London Irish’s impressive 40-10 victory over Gloucester yesterday.
The 25-year-old has made the full-back spot his own in Martin Johnson’s Red Rose side and was a shoo-in to face Australia, Argentina and New Zealand.
But Armitage could be out for up to three months if scans confirm the injury is as bad as first feared.
Exiles head coach Toby Booth admits he fears the worst.
“Delon has a suspected dislocated shoulder and he's gone to hospital. We'll know more on Monday," said Booth.
"Delon is a tough cookie so he will front it out. I have no idea how long he'll be out. Losing Delon for any amount of time would be massive, he's an international full-back and we want him on the pitch.
"Touch wood it's not too serious and we'll get him back soon."
But while the international door appears to have closed for Armitage for the moment, one man who seems likely to be making an impact in Johnson’s side is Wasps scrum-half Joe Simpson.
The 21-year-old has been in sparkling form so far this season and set up two tries for winger Tom Varndell in his side’s 17-15 victory at Bath.
And Wasps boss Tony Hanks says the youngster has the ability to be a real star.
"Joe's talents are fairly obvious. He is maturing nicely,” said Hanks, whose side have won both of their games so far this season.
"Some of his kicking game was really good today, and he is nailing the core roles of a scrum-half. He has still got a long way to go, but he is developing nicely."
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