O’Connell could return to competitive action by Christmas

MUNSTER manager Shaun Payne revealed last night that Paul O’Connell could lead the province “in one of the two Heineken Cup matches against the Ospreys” next month.

The former Lions skipper has yet to resume full training as a result of the groin infection that has sidelined him since March but remains on target to return to competitive action before Christmas.

Payne also admitted O’Connell’s international colleague Tomás O’Leary requires ‘three to four weeks’ recovery from the fractured thumb he sustained in the defeat to Leinster game last month while hooker Jerry Flannery (calf muscle) could feature in the Magners League clash with the Llanelli Scarlets on November 21st.