World Cup boost for Scotland winger Nikki Walker

Nikki Walker has been given renewed hope of being selected in Scotland's Rugby World Cup squad despite undergoing two operations this week.

Ospreys physio Chris Towers said that the winger will be able to continue preparations with Scotland later this summer after the minor procedures.

"Nikki has had a couple of small procedures," said Towers.

"One to address a tendon injury to his finger and a keyhole procedure for a cartilage issue in the knee."

Walker, who joined the Welsh club from Border Reivers in 2006, has won 22 caps since making his Scotland debut in 2002.

And he scored one of the tries as Andy Robinson's side finished the Six Nations on a high with a 21-8 win over Italy.

But, the following week, he went off injured during the Ospreys' 23-16 defeat away to Edinburgh in the Magners League.

Walker was subsequently named in the coach's 40-strong provisional squad, which will be trimmed to 30 after Scotland's warm-up Tests against Ireland and Italy in August, ahead of the World Cup in New Zealand.

"He will start his rehab with the Ospreys medical team over the next few weeks before joining up with the Scotland squad to complete rehab and continue his Rugby World Cup preparations," added Towers.