Netball: Langman's prospects improve

Injured centre Laura Langman has trained the last two days pain free. Photo / Greg Bowker

The prospects of Laura Langman wearing the pivotal centre bib during the Silver Ferns' netball world championship defence have lifted.

Langman has been in doubt after suffering a stress fracture in her left foot during a training camp in Christchurch about six weeks ago.

However, the 28-test midcourter trained pain-free yesterday and today, enhancing her chances of playing the tournament opener against African minnows Malawi here at Waitakere Stadium on Saturday night.

Langman and Silver Ferns head coach Ruth Aitken were both confident of her inclusion though the 12-member squad will not be confirmed until shortly before the opening match.

Former Silver Ferns vice-captain Temepara George has been placed on standby in the event Langman is ruled out.

- NZPA