Tommy Bowe believes critics of Craig Gilroy’s defensive ability are merely looking for a negative where there is none.
The Ireland winger, who is injured for this year’s Six Nations campaign, told Newstalk Breakfast’s Oisin Langan that Gilroy is “a quality defender” whose game has “pretty much everything”.

The Ulster man believes his teammate’s attacking quality may be leading some pundits to look for a negative, “I think when his attacking ability looks so positive people have to look for a negative.

Bowe also thnks the talk of Wales targeting Gilroy and his fellow Six Nations debutant, Simon Zebo, won’t work as well as they might expect. “They’re two very confident young players.
“If Wales will be targeting them I think they’ll take it upon them and they’ll be able to come back even stronger.

Bowe will have to watch Saturday’s action in Cardiff from the sidelines and amdits he find sit difficult to not be involved. “I’m not very good at watching rugby, I prefer to be playing. Knowing you’re not involved is not easy.”

There is some hope for a return to action in time for Ulster’s Heineken Cup quarter final against Saracens, at Twickenham, although Bowe remains cautious. It is still a few weeks before he can begin rehab work on his knee ligament injury.  “It’s going to be very tough for me to be able to get back for that.
“Im sure the coaches would want me to have a couple of games under my belt before (the quarter final).”

©INPHO/Dan Sheridan