McDermott praises debutants

Harlequins boss Brian McDermott has praised the impact of debutants Andy Ellis and Olsi Krasniqi in Sunday’s win over Crusaders.

Ellis, who was voted Championship Player of the Year in 2009, was signed from Barrow at the end of last season but suffered a pectoral muscle tear during pre-season.

McDermott said: “Andy has only been doing full-contact training for the past couple of weeks but he was very good for us against Crusaders. He didn’t just manage the game, he really added to our attack.

“I give credit to our physio team headed up by John Miles and our strength and conditioning team led by Nick Rees that have got him to this stage.”

Prop Krasniqi, 17, scored a try in the 50-22 victory and McDermott was full of praise for the youngster.

He said: “Olsi has done really well. Super League is a big step up for our London Juniors, one that cannot be underestimated. Three and a half years ago he wasn’t even playing rugby league so yesterday was massive for him.”