McGahan taking O’Connell return one step at a time

MUNSTER coach Tony McGahan has welcomed Paul O’Connell’s return to provincial action but stressed that the management “don’t want to push him too early.”

O’Connell, injured since March, received a rousing welcome when he came on as a 53rd minute replacement in Saturday’s 16-9 Magners League win over Cardiff Blues at Thomond Park.

The appearance, coupled with 40 minutes for Young Munster a week ago, have been O’Connell’s only competitive games since the Six Nations as he battled complications arising from a groin problem.