Horan fit as Munster wait on Payne

MUNSTER prop Marcus Horan is back to full fitness, but there is still uncertainty about the full-back berth on the side to meet Bourgoin in tomorrow's Heineken Cup clash at Thomond Park.

Shaun Payne has overtaken Jeremy Staunton as the first-choice full-back, but faces a sweaty 24 hours, during which the extent of a knee injury incurred against Benetton Treviso last week will be carefully assessed.

Staunton, after making the number 15 shirt his own early in the season, has now lost considerable ground in provincial and national terms. However, coach Alan Gaffney stated last night that he had every confidence Staunton could do the job for him if Payne is ruled out.