O’Connell set for Munster return in Edinburgh

PAUL O’CONNELL seems set to make his top-class return when appearing for Munster in the Magner’s League against Edinburgh at Murrayfield on Friday night.

O’Connell successfully came through strenuous tests when playing for Munster A against Ulster at Ravenhill last weekend, and is, according to a Munster spokesperson, good to go.

Further positive news for Munster is the fact that Ian Dowling will be considered for selection after recovering from a knee strain suffered against Connacht at Musgrave Park on December 27 last.

Furthermore, John O’Sullivan is also in the hunt for a place for his first game since suffering a cruciate ligament injury when playing for Munster against the US Eagles last August.

To further strengthen Declan Kidney’s hand, Jake Parangati also played last week’s game in Belfast and scored a try after recovering from a cheekbone injury.

Munster’s hopes of winning a crucial Celtic League victory could hinge on the availability of some of their Irish squad representatives.

In that regard it seems likely that Mick O’Driscoll, Tony Buckley and Peter Stringer will all be released by national coach, Eddie O’Sullivan, for this particular game.

Meanwhile, Edinburgh coach Andy Robinson has called three Scotland internationals into his starting line-up for Friday’s Magners League match against Munster.

Allister Hogg, Gavin Kerr and Hugo Southwell come in for the Murrayfield contest after taking part in Scotland’s 30-15 RBS 6 Nations defeat by Wales on Saturday.

And centre Nick De Luca, who made his first two appearances for Scotland this month, is named among the replacements.

And the former England coach is confident his side can get a result. He said: “We have picked a side that can beat them and it is good that they are coming back in.

“The squad members that stayed behind here have been training hard and everyone realises it is important that we put a performance together.’’