Ultan Dillane likely to return for Connacht after Ireland debut

Connacht's latest debutant for Ireland, Ultan Dillane, could be back wearing the green of Connacht in this weekend's Pro12 fixture against Edinburgh.

The 22-year-old lock, who made a big impression during his second-half 14-minute cameo for Ireland, is a likely starter in Pat Lam’s squad on Friday.

It has been a whirlwind elevation to Joe Schmidt's side for the Connacht Academy graduate, who has played just 21 times for the province since making his debut against Leinster at the RDS last season.

However, Lam is hoping a couple of his internationals will be released this week, including Dillane and Nathan White, who will join Kieran Marmion and Finlay Bealham at the Sportsground.

“We have the potential of having all five available this week, but it will have to be managed around training time and the short week, so we will see who we will select,” says Lam.

Timely return

It will be a timely return as fellow lock

Ben Marshall

is undergoing concussion protocols alongside scrumhalf Caolin Blade and winger

Niyi Adeleokun

.

However, captain John Muldoon who was a late withdrawal against Ospreys with hamstring tightness is available, while both Quinn Roux and number eight Eoin McKeon have also returned to training. Scrumhalf John Cooney has suffered a minor setback in training with his shoulder, but should be available for the Leinster fixture at the Sportsground.

Lam has confirmed number eight Eoghan Masterson is not expected to return until December after undergoing knee surgery to repair ligaments. Jack Carty, after two weeks recovering at home after his spleen operation, has returned to the squad, though is not involved in training.

With six matches remaining in the Pro12 and Connacht still the top of the table, Lam says it is exciting times as they head to Edinburgh for Friday’s fixture.