The encouraging phone calls from Mick McCarthy helped, as did the support of his fellow Irishmen in the Deepdale dressing room and the countless monotonous, gruelling hours he has spent in the gym.

Conor O’Shea says the fact Leinster’s internationals have an extra week to prepare for Sunday’s European Rugby Champions Cup clash gives them an advantage over his Harlequins side.

Australia today made just one change to their starting XV for Saturday’s autumn international against Scotland.

PHIL BROWN has been given another week to prove he can breathe new life into Hull City by the club’s incoming chairman Adam Pearson.

DEAN MARNEY and Tottenham’s other young prospects are giving head coach Martin Jol a selection dilemma as the club push for European qualification this season.