Pressure mounting on Bradley
Wednesday, 28 November 2007 11:44Michael Bradley has announced a 24-man squad ahead of Connacht's Magners League clash with Glasgow Warriors at the Sportsground on Friday (kick off 6.30pm).
But dissatisfaction with the province's performances is growing and even Bradley's previously untouchable status is coming under increased scrutiny.
The Connacht Sentinel newspaper yesterday published unheralded criticism of the former Irish scrum half's methods, stating that 'rugby has never known such lows out west.'
The criticism stems from last Friday's loss to Ulster at the Sportsground, when the western province was hoping to take advantage of Ulster's apparent disarray and overtake them in the pecking order of national rugby.
However, Steve Williams' side cruised to victory as Connacht made a stream of errors and failed to take their opportunities.
The Sentinel went on to openly attack Bradley, suggesting that 'the coaching staff's stubborn selection policy and persistence with overseas flops over promising local talent is making the situation too much to take for most supporters.'
But Bradley has stood firm, saying in the Irish Independent, 'We are frustrated by our own lack of success in the Ulster match but that was our first loss at home this season and we want to put the record straight.
'We're aware that Glasgow are playing good rugby but the fact we are at home is a big factor in our favour.'
Both John Fogarty and David Gannon will undergo fitness tests before Michael Bradley announces his side on Thursday morning.
Out-half Andy Dunne - electrifying in his brief appearances so far this seasons - is set for his first competitive start for the province.
Connacht squad: Andrew Browne, Mel Deane, Tim Donnelly, Gavin Duffy, Andy Dunne, Andrew Farley, Adrian Flavin, John Fogarty, David Gannon, Ronan Loughney, Michael McCarthy, Conor McPhillips, Joe Merrigan, Robbie Morris, John Muldoon, Johnny O'Connor, Ray Ofisa, Conor O'Loughlin, Daniel Riordan, Michael Swift, Ofisa Treviranus, Brett Wilkinson, Aidan Wynne, Darren Yapp.
