Macfadyen Fighting Fit after His Years of Misery; BACK IN ACTION: Donnie Macfayden Has Much to Prove for Club and Country

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Byline: David Barnes

IF A WEEK is a long time in sport, then the three-and-a-bit years whichDonnie Macfadyen spent battling injury must feel like an eternity. He hasexperienced such a wretched run of luck that you can't help but be impressed byhis dedication and persistence. Considering the catalogue of misfortune he hashad to endure, it is a wonder he did not just throw in the towel.

Back in the autumn of 2004, the Glasgow flanker was established as Scotland'sfirstchoice open-side, and his name was even being linked with Sir CliveWoodward's Lions squad which was to tour New Zealand the following summer.

But then a cartilage injury in his left knee …