Rugby:Darren Cave has been ruled out of Ulster's RaboDirect Pro12 clash away to the Ospreys on Sunday after aggravating an old hamstring injury during last Friday's win over Cardiff.
The Irish international centre Darren Cave missed a large chunk of last season with the injury but his exclusion is precautionary and it is hoped he will make a speedy recovery.
Outhalf Ian Humphreys, who also went off injured against Cardiff, has responded well to treatment and should be available for selection this week.
Ulster coach Brian McLaughlin has included young halfbacks Blane McIlroy and James McKinney in a 29-man provisional squad for the clash at Liberty Stadium.
Both sides go into the game unbeaten and are locked on 12 league points, just one behind leaders Munster. Ulster’s only defeat in their last nine matches against Welsh opponents was in the equivalent game at the Swansea ground last season when they narrowly lost 23-22.
Ulster Squad
Backs:Paul Marshall, Blane McIlroy, Ian Porter, Ian Humphreys, Paddy Jackson, James McKinney, Luke Marshall, Nevin Spence, Ian Whitten, Craig Gilroy, Conor Gaston, Jared Payne, Adam D'Arcy.
Forwards:Jerry Cronin, Paddy McAllister, Declan Fitzpatrick, Adam Macklin, Andi Kyriacou, John Burns, Nigel Brady, Tim Barker, Lewis Stevenson, Dan Tuohy, Neil McComb, Pedrie Wannenburg, Mike McComish, Chris Henry, Willie Faloon, Robbie Diack.
