England captain Chris Robshaw has tipped injury-plagued British & Irish Lion Tom Croft to overcome his shoulder problem and come back stronger than ever before.
The 29-year-old Croft has made just 20 starts for club side Leicester Tigers over the last three seasons, his latest ailment a dislocated shoulder that has required surgery to correct nerve damage.
But his worth is unquestionable and Leicester head coach Richard Cockerill had little hesitation in awarding the back row a new contract in April.
So with his future secured, Croft, capped 40 times for England, must now focus all his energy on regaining his fitness in time for the World Cup on home soil this autumn.
And Robshaw does not believe Croft – who starred for the Lions on the 2013 and 2009 tours – will find the disruption has any lasting detriment to his form.
“Normally he comes back even better than before – he works extremely hard when he is injured – and I’m sure he will be again,” said Robshaw, who was speaking on behalf of Lawson Keys, who sponsor the 2015 National Rugby Awards.
“You do feel for Crofty, he has been a little bit unfortunate with his shoulder. He has had a tough couple of years so hopefully his recovery is going well and we can have him back out there as soon as possible.
“You can see it in the way he has always come back before when he has had injuries and setbacks. I think that shows the determination and mentality of the guy.
“He is one of those guys that wants to be out there on the pitch as quickly as possible and he will do everything to make that happen.”
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