Wales star Mike Phillips says he is fit to face Ireland

Feb. 25, 2010 - PRLog -- Lions scrum-half Mike Phillips insists he is fully fit to face Ireland despite playing only 40 minutes of competitive rugby since last October.
Phillips was the surprise namein the Wales 22 to play Ireland on Saturday night as cover for the Blues' Richie Rees.
"I'm very confident in my fitness and just really excited to be back in the squad and can't wait to be a part of it again," said the Ospreys star.
"I wouldn't put myself in this position to be honest," he admitted.
"I was available the week before last as well. So I've had a big conditioning block the last four or five weeks."
Phillips said he came through the Connacht game without any ill-effects.
"I was just really excited. I was a bit disappointed the game wasn't a bit quicker really if anything. It was a stop-start second half.
"I wanted to go out there and be part of everything again like a young kid. I can't wait to get out on the field again."
Phillips underwent surgery after tearing ankle ligaments in the Ospreys' Heineken Cup clash against Clermont Auvergne four months ago.
Injury forced him to miss the autumn internationals and the start of the RBS Six Nations championship, meaning he has not played for Wales since the clash with Ireland in Cardiff last March.
"I put myself in a good position over the summer with the Lions and it was disappointing missing out on the autumn and the start of the Six Nations, but there is no point in dwelling on that" he added.
"I've got to look forward and be positive and I can't wait now for the rest of the season.
"It has been a long time. It's like receiving your first cap again and I can't wait for Friday night."
But Phillips knows the France game will be a hard encounter, not least his potential battle against the in-form scrum-half Morgan Parra.
"I played against him last year. He is obviously a class player and they are doing very well," said Phillips.
"He is in a good side and we are going to have to watch out for him like everyone in the French side. It's going to be a tough game for us but hopefully we can come through it ."

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