Former Irish Under-21 World Cup flyhalf Mike Glancy has got a surprise call-up to the Hong Kong squad and will take over the pivotal role from Keith Robertson for what might be a tricky encounter against South Korea in the HSBC Asian Five Nations Top Five competition tomorrow.
Robertson was ruled out after training yesterday following his failure to recover from a shoulder injury suffered in the opener against the United Arab Emirates in Dubai last Friday, and Glancy will win his first cap on his home ground at Hong Kong Football Club.
Glancy will be more than useful, being a prolific goal-kicker, an area in which Hong Kong struggled against UAE despite an 85-10 victory. That accuracy with the boot could be key as Hong Kong come up against an 'unknown' Korean outfit who had a bye last weekend and are returning to the Top Five after a year's absence.
'Mike was in the original 40-man squad for this tournament but had to drop out as he had to return to the UK for two weeks during a crucial stage of our preparation,' Hong Kong coach Dai Rees said. 'But this is a game where injuries present opportunities and he has got one now.
'He has played for Hong Kong Football Club all season and has done really well. On top of that, his kicking is very good.'
Glancy, who became eligible under the IRB's three-year residency rule two months ago, should fit seamlessly into a starting line-up filled with his club teammates.
He will pair off with Football Club halfback Peter McKee.