O'Driscoll glad to put injuries behind him (From Crewe Guardian)

O'Driscoll glad to put injuries behind him

10:19am Wednesday 10th March 2010 in

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Brian O'Driscoll feels more comfortable on the pitch having tackled the recurring hamstring injuries that have hampered his career.

Ireland's skipper will win his 100th cap in Saturday's RBS 6 Nations clash with Wales at Croke Park thankful the problem appears a distant memory. A specialised stretching routine and focus on other muscle groups in the leg appear to have to rectified the problem, though the 31-year-old is wary of tempting fate.

He said: "Generally I think I've been fortunate with injury so far. The dislocated shoulder after the 2005 Lions tour was the serious one. But the hamstrings also suffered for a couple of years and while that has been addressed, it's still a work in progress."

O'Driscoll added: "It makes it easier knowing my hamstrings don't feel tight when I play. I don't have that at the back of my head at the moment."

O'Driscoll will be the second Ireland player in two weeks to join the ranks of rugby's centurions after prop John Hayes reached the milestone against England.

It will be a special moment for O'Driscoll, the enduringly brilliant Lions centre who made his debut 11 years ago and has since captained Ireland 62 times.

"I don't think the occasion will affect me. I'll enjoy it and look forward to it. It'll just be another Test match," said O'Driscoll.

"It will be a proud moment for me and my family when I lead the team out but otherwise it will be business as usual.

"There will be a little bit of emotion, but I've never been one for letting that get out of control."