By JULIE ASH and NZPA
Force defender Linda Vagana has confirmed she is available for the Silver Ferns this year.
Vagana, 30, missed the tour of Jamaica in March because of work commitments, but has announced she wants to be part of the Commonwealth Games team.
"I don't think I am ready to
finish yet," she said.
"I am still enjoying it and I think I have a bit to offer netball."
The availability of Vagana and the return of Canterbury defender Vilimaina Davu, who missed the Jamaican tour through injury, give Silver Ferns coach Ruth Aitken a few more options to ponder as she prepares to name a team for the three-test series against Barbados and the Commonwealth Games. The team will be named on June 10.
One player who could be in doubt for the series is Force wing defence Sheryl Clarke, who rolled an ankle in Sunday's loss to the Sting.
An x-ray has revealed a small chip to a bone near the ankle, leaving Clarke, who has shown strong form this domestic season, in a cast and with the prospect of an idle few weeks ahead.
Clarke played down the injury as "nothing too serious" and was hopeful of the cast being removed in seven to 10 days.
She will see an orthopaedic surgeon today, who will assess the extent of the damage after the injury has had time to settle.
Aitken said medical reports she had received indicated Clarke could be sidelined for four weeks.
"She had been doing such a lot of good work and her fitness was really improving, so she'll be absolutely gutted to now be out for a few weeks," Aitken said.
Clarke would be monitored regularly, particularly after the swelling had gone down.
"It would need to be re-evaluated then," Aitken said.
