Horgan training but not ready for action against Glasgow

IRISH international Shane Horgan is back in training and could be ready for action within the next two weeks.

He is not, however, included in the Leinster squad to play Glasgow in the Celtic League at Hughenden tomorrow evening (7.30pm).

Horgan is one international player ruled out of the fixture against Glasgow, who brought off a shock victory over Cardiff in their opening Celtic League encounter last weekend.

Yet, Leinster can call on experienced players such as Gordon D’Arcy, Brian O’Meara, John McWeeney and possibly Victor Costello.

The side will be captained by Peter Smyth, who has shown remarkable resilience in recovering from a serious head injury. The occasion marks a triumphant return for him, even if he has figured in the Leinster team over the last 12 months.

Coach Matt Williams said: “Glasgow have a wonderful attitude. They have gone through a change of coach, but not of style. Tommy Hayes is a prolific goal kicker and quite a threat with the ball on the run.

“They still put a lot of width on their game, moving the ball from wing to wing with long passes and they have brought in a new defensive coach in Steve Anderson, an Aussie I know quite well,” Williams said.

Glenn Metcalfe will make his first start of the season for Glasgow. The Scotland full back will be on the left wing for the match against Leinster at Hughenden.

Illness kept Metcalfe out of the Glasgow team for the season’s first four matches.

Connacht have received a boost ahead of tomorrow night’s Celtic League clash with Cardiff at the Sportsground (6pm) with Eric Elwood declared fit to play.

Connacht coach Steph Nel said: “It is a big boost for us. He is a vastly experienced player and we need that because we have such a young side. This is a big test for Connacht but we hope we can build on the win over Borders. It promises to be a great occasion on Friday night.”

*Alan Quinlan will be available to play for Munster against Ebbw Vale following his release from the Irish squad. He will take his place in the starting line up at Musgrave Park. Eddie Halvey will be named as a replacement.

LEINSTER (probable): G. D’Arcy, J. McWeeney, K. Lewis, D. Quinlan, S. Keogh, C. Warner, B. O’Meara, P. Coyle, P. Smyth (captain), N. Treston, B. Gissing, A. Kearney, A. McCullen, D. Dillon, S. Jennings.

Replacements: J. Lyne, G. Hickie, N. Breslin, L. Toland, B. Willis, A. Dunne/P. McKenna, G. Browne/A. Leek.

GLASGOW: S. Moffat, J. Steel, A. Bulloch, T. Hayes, G. Metcalfe, C. Howarth, A. Nicol (captain), C. Blades, G. Bulloch, D. Hilton, A. Hall, J. White, G. Simpson, J. Petrie, D. Macfadyen.

Replacements: B. Daly, L. Harrison, N. Ross, A. Wilson, G. Beveridge, M. Bartlett/I. McInroy, A. Henderson.