Keith Earls poised to return to action for Munster’s Pro 12 clash with Leinster

Munster could be set for another big boost with Irish international Keith Earls poised to return to action this weekend in the RaboDirect Pro 12 clash with Leinster.

Earls has been out of action since suffering a shoulder injury in the RBS Six Nations clash with Italy last month.

But he could return this weekend and give Munster another big lift as they prepare for the Heineken Cup semi-final later this month against Clermont Auvergne.

Earls will be monitored in training during the week and a decision will be made later.

However, it is unlikely that captain Doug Howlett will return this weekend, although Munster are hopeful he will be available for the following week’s visit to Zebre in their final game before travelling to take on Clermont in Montpellier.

Howlett suffered a shoulder injury in the 51-24 drubbing to Glasgow Warriors and did not recover in time for Sunday’s epic 18-12 win over Harlequins in the Heineken Cup quarter-final.

Man-of-the-match Paul O’Connell sat out the session as Munster returned to training in UL yesterday, but this was just to give the inspirational lock a rest, while several players who shipped heavy knocks on Sunday also eased their way back into the grind yesterday.

Centre James Downey, displaying plenty of facial war wounds after the ’Quins clash, said that it was a great game to be involved in.

“Rog said it afterwards and Paulie said it, that’s the way Munster are, that’s the way Munster play, that’s the Munster game and it’s great to be part of it.

“I think we just imposed ourselves on them physically. We said we wanted to do that. Obviously English teams are normally physical and we had to step up and increase the intensity, and I think we did that,” said the 32-year old.

He said a lot of soul-searching followed the drubbing in Glasgow and knew they had to respond the right way.

“I think we came in last week and heads were down. We had to get it together and we managed to do that very well. Our backs were against the wall. It was just us and playing an English team obviously helped things. We got over there and said it is just us, there is a lot of doubt about our play but we know what we have been doing and we trust in everything.”

The focus now switches to Saturday’s derby clash and while Munster have little chance of making the semi-finals, Downey said they will not lack incentive.

“We need back-to-back performance and that’s what we’ll be looking for. And no better game than Leinster to be honest,” added Downey.