Cheika remains cautious as O'Driscoll returns to squad

LEINSTER coach Michael Cheika has allayed fears Brian O'Driscoll's long-awaited return to action over the festive season may be stalled by a niggling back injury.

The 26-year-old centre suffered two back spasms in training recently and that interrupted his recovery from the shoulder injury that has sidelined him for the last six months. However, Cheika said yesterday O'Driscoll had been given the all clear on Monday.

The former Lions captain was yesterday named in the squad for the first time this season in a panel for the two games against Ulster at Ravenhill on St Stephen's Day and the New Year's Eve clash with Munster at the RDS.