World Cup duo primed for action

Celtic League: Frank Sheahan and Alan Quinlan have a combined total of four minutes rugby from the World Cup, all belonging …

Celtic League:Frank Sheahan and Alan Quinlan have a combined total of four minutes rugby from the World Cup, all belonging to Sheahan who temporarily replaced Jerry Flannery in the 25-3 defeat to France on September 21st, so it comes as little surprise that the veteran Munster forwards are eager to get back to action.

Both are included in Declan Kidney's 22-man squad to play the Cardiff Blues at Musgrave Park tomorrow. With Flannery, David Wallace and Denis Leamy to return over the next fortnight, both players will be keen to lay down a marker in the interim. It suits Munster as Quinlan provides immediate cover for injured back five players Donnacha Ryan and John O'Sullivan, while Sheahan will attempt to oust Denis Fogarty from the number-two slot with Sean Cronin probably dropping back to the Academy and club rugby with Shannon.

Tighthead prop Tony Buckley is also included despite his last-minute call-up to the World Cup as a replacement for Ulster's Simon Best. Despite having a non-playing role in France, Brian Carney has not been selected this weekend. A team will be released at lunchtime today.

Connacht's Gavin Duffy has not returned for tomorrow's match in Glasgow but coach Michael Bradley did draft in former USA international outhalf Alipate Tuilevuka (Fijian by birth). The 27-year-old, a member of the extended Connacht squad who now plays with Galwegians, has been included due to a number of injuries.

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MUNSTER (squad v Cardiff): S Payne, I Dowling, K Lewis, L Mafi, R Tipoki, A Horgan, P Warwick, J Manning, T O'Leary, G Hurley, Darragh Hurley, T Buckley, D Fogarty, F Sheahan, F Pucciariello, M Melbourne, M O'Driscoll, B Holland, N Ronan, J Coughlan, A Quinlan, A Foley (capt).

Gavin Cummiskey

Gavin Cummiskey

Gavin Cummiskey is The Irish Times' Soccer Correspondent