Earls in line to make timely return to Munster fray

KEITH EARLS looks set to make a timely return for Munster in this Saturday’s Heineken Cup showdown with London Irish at the Madjeski Stadium. With fellow backs Felix Jones and Ian Dowling on the long-term injury list and Lifeimi Mafi suspended, the return of Earls is good news for Munster coach Tony McGahan, who named the versatile Irish international in his extended squad yesterday.

Prop Tony Buckley has recovered from the virus that saw him miss last Saturday’s 13-9 defeat to Leinster, while scrum-half Duncan Williams has also been added to the panel. McGahan is set to name his starting side on Friday.

Earls has been plagued by a persistent groin injury for the past six months, but took a full part in training yesterday morning.