Remarkable recoveries put Bristol Rugby duo in with a chance of facing Coventry

Bristol duo Ross Johnston and Redford Pennycook are in contention to face Coventry on Friday after making stunning recoveries from injury.

Hooker Johnston damaged the medial collateral ligament in his left knee during Saturday's Championship defeat at Doncaster, while flanker Pennycook spent the night in a Yorkshire hospital after damaging his neck.

But both players are in with a chance of facing Coventry at the Memorial Stadium. Head coach Paul Hull said he should know by this afternoon whether they will be fit in time for Friday's game.

He said: "Remarkably, they have both made good recoveries and we're waiting to see whether they are going to be available."

Johnston, who scored the first of Bristol's two tries in their surprise 26-22 defeat at Castle Park, was carried from the field on a stretcher.

But he has already shown signs to suggest he may be in contention to face Coventry in a match being shown live by Sky Sports.

"Normally, with a grade two MCL injury, it is six to eight weeks out, but he has recovered remarkably," said Hull.

Pennycook was taken to hospital by ambulance, wearing a neck brace, but he has also made a quick recovery and could even take part in training today. Hull added: "Redford had to stay overnight in Doncaster and he arrived back in Bristol on Monday.

"It's been a bit of a long haul for him, with staying overnight and all the things associated with that, but a lot of what happened was precautionary."

Third-placed Bristol, who have now lost twice in the league, lie eight points behind unbeaten leaders Exeter ahead of this weekend.