O’Donovan hails Horan’s return

ASKING a coach to compare players can be like asking a father to choose his favourite child.

Not yesterday in Lansdowne Road where forwards coach Niall O’Donovan openly admitted the expected return of loosehead prop Marcus Horan for Simon Best would strengthen Ireland’s chances against Italy tomorrow.

“Based on this morning’s performance, he (Marcus) should be okay,” said O’Donovan prior to the team’s flight to Italy. “Simon did a fine job there last week against Scotland. He worked very hard all around the pitch but Marcus brings a little extra to the side.”