Kearney: Cool Madigan can stand heat

Rob Kearney has rolled the clock back on his injury comeback but insists Ian Madigan can withstand another aerial inspection from Clermont this weekend.

Speaking at the Leinster Schools Cup draws at Aviva Stadium, Kearney revealed he may not return to action until Round 6 in the Heineken Cup.

Brock James and Morgan Parra tested Madigan’s in-flight abilities with a series of high balls at Stade Marcel Michelin on Sunday. The converted out-half handled the challenge manfully and his counter-attack in the early stages of Leinster’s 15-12 loss caused Clermont to deploy foul means to prevent a try.