We thought it might not work out for injury-prone Fraser, says McCall (From Enfield Independent)

Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall admits club had doubts about in-form flanker Will Fraser

11:40am Monday 4th March 2013 in Sport By Tom Allnutt

Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall hailed the form of Will Fraser after admitting the club had doubts about the flanker's future during his injury-ravaged youth.

Fraser was named man-of-the-match after the Men in Black's 35-14 victory over London Welsh yesterday and has been tipped for big things after training with England in recent weeks.

But the 23-year-old's prospects looked less promising when a two-year period saw Fraser ruled out with several serious injuries which McCall admits left Saracens wondering if youngster would ever realise his potential.

"He's already very, very good," McCall said. "Believe it or not he only made his debut for Saracens 16 months ago down at Bath.

"He was a kid, he came through the academy and just had different injuries for three years almost to the point where you think it's not going to work for this player.

"We're glad we hung in there with him - given he's only been going at this for 16 months it's remarkable how well he's playing.

"I think hes ready for England now, he has a lot of competition in the back row, obviously Chris Robshaw is playing great rugby but Will is ready already."

The Sarries boss was also full of praise for another England hopeful, David Strettle, after the winger scored one try and was involved in another two.

"I think David is playing the best he's played in certainly the last three seasons," McCall added.

"He had a brilliant game again today, obviously scored a try but he was instrumental in both the other tries as well with the line he took.

"He's playing as well as when he joined us."