Warren Gatland eases fears over Wales outside-half Ioan Lloyd

Wales coach Warren Gatland has eased injury fears surrounding fly-half Ioan Lloyd ahead of this weekend's Six Nations clash with England.

Lloyd has been brought into the starting line-up as one of seven changes made ahead of the trip to Twickenham on Saturday. After impressing with his second-half performance against Scotland, the 22-year-old replaces the injured Sam Costelow in the XV.

Concerns had been raised that Lloyd himself had picked up an injury ahead of facing Wales, but Gatland quelled fears at a press conference on Thursday.

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"He trained fully today," he said. "He felt his hamstring was a little tight on Tuesday. They didn’t think it was sprained. He’s probably just doing things a little quicker than he’s used to.

Asked if he had been impressed with Lloyd, Gatland admitted he was "still learning the position" but was a "quality" attacking player. "He’s working hard on his kicking game with Neil Jenkins," he added. That’s an area of improvement. For him, he’s a quality runner. It’s about nailing down a couple of positions. We’re not trying to put him under any pressure.

"There’s a lot less space as a running threat at Test level. His game management is important. He’s still very young in terms of experience. It’s his first start there in international rugby."

In the other changes to Wales' side, the fit-again George North returns to outside centre to make his 50th Six Nations appearance, while Tomos Williams and Alex Mann have both been handed starts. A fresh front row sees Gareth Thomas