Leinster's Horgan to make first start of season

Ireland¿s Shane Horgan was today named in Matt William¿s Leinster side to face Connacht in Friday night¿s Celtic League clash…

Ireland¿s Shane Horgan was today named in Matt William¿s Leinster side to face Connacht in Friday night¿s Celtic League clash at Donnybrook.

Horgan, who will win his 50th cap for the province, will make his first competitive appearance of the season after recovering from an ankle injury.

And while outside centre Brian O'Driscoll is sidelined with the quadricep strain he sustained against Romania at the weekend, Williams has been able to recall fellow internationals Denis Hickie, Keith Gleeson, Victor Costello, Leo Cullen, Shane Byrne, Reggie Corrigan, and Malcolm O'Kelly.

The only doubt on the teamsheet hangs over the availability of Eric Miller who is still nursing a rib injury. Should he not win his fitness battle, Aidan McCullen will deputise in the back row.

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Leinster: Gordon D'Arcy, Denis Hickie, Kieran Lewis, Shane Horgan, John McWeeney, Christian Warner, Brian O'Meara, Reg Corrigan (Capt), Shane Byrne, Paul Wallace, Leo Cullen, Malcolm O'Kelly, Eric Miller / Aidan McCullen, Keith Gleeson, Victor Costello.

Replacements: Niall Treston, Peter Smyth, Ben Gissing, Des Dillon, Ben Willis, Andy Dunne, David Quinlan

Noel O'Reilly

Noel O'Reilly

Noel O'Reilly is Sports Editor of The Irish Times