End is nigh for veteran O’Kelly

VETERAN second row forward Malcolm O’Kelly has been excluded from the Irish squad for next week’s autumn international against Canada, prompting speculation that his illustrious international career could be over.

O’Kelly, Ireland’s longest serving and most capped international (91), is the one big name left out of the squad which was yesterday cut from 41 to 34, and it appears he has now reached the end of the line in the green jersey.

Irish coach Declan Kidney has named Ryan Caldwell, Donncha Ryan and Mick O’Driscoll as possible alternatives to first choice second rowers Paul O’Connell and Donncha O’Callaghan, with Bob Casey of London Irish paying the price for his unavailability to train this week.