Great Britain amateur international Lee McTigue could be in line for a sensational York Wasps debut on Sunday.

TIGER McTIGUE: Lee McTigue who could find himself lining up for York at Rochdale on Sunday

The New Earswick All Blacks second rower has not played for two months since breaking his jaw during a National Conference fixture in November.

But Wasps coach Dean Robinson revealed he had now recovered from the injury and will be in contention for Sunday's trip to Rochdale Hornets.

McTigue was all set to join the Wasps on trial for the start of the Northern Ford Premiership season. But in the cruellest of blows he suffered a double fracture of the jaw in what would have been his final match for the All Blacks.

However, he has been training with the Wasps throughout his rehabilitation and could be thrown straight in at the deep end at Spotland.

Robinson was unhappy with the performance of some of his team in last Sunday's disappointing 30-6 defeat at Hunslet.

And that may prompt him to take drastic action which could include a call-up for McTigue, who is likely to be signed initially on a month's trial.

"I want people who will bust a gut when they cross that white line," said Robinson. "Lee is a naturally fit lad and has also got some bite to him which is what we need so he could well be in the squad."

Although not having played a competitive game for two months, and never having been tested at Northern Ford Premiership level, Robinson is confident McTigue will be up to the challenge.

He enthused: "I have no fears about him whatsoever. He is a character and if he listens and reacts as he should do then he has all the attributes to go a long way in the game.

"His determination is second to none and his enthusiasm for the game is likewise. If he learns and adapts his game to make sure he can compete in the Northern Ford Premiership he could be an absolute revelation."

If he misses out on a place in the squad then he will certainly make his comeback for New Earswick All Blacks in their match at Keighley Albion.

Should McTigue be handed his Wasps debut, Robinson confirmed he will not be the only change from the team which performed so poorly at South Leeds Stadium.

Back row forward Andy Hill faces a fitness test this week but should be passed fit to make his first appearance. Rob Lee, who played just nine minutes of the opening match against Doncaster before breaking his ribs, will also be given a fitness test and is expected to play.

The game should also see the return of flu victims Mick Hagan, Paul Darley and Matt Woodcock while Robinson hinted that he may be tempted to make some interesting positional changes.

Meanwhile, Australian centre Andrew Lambert could be back in York within the next couple of weeks. Lambert is currently in his home country following the death of his mother at the weekend but has told the club he should return in the near future.

He will not be back for Sunday's clash but Robinson is hopeful he will be back on board in time for the Challenge Cup tie with Dudley Hill on January 30 or the following week's home game against Batley.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.