Anscombe must reshuffle as Gilroy out

Ireland winger Craig Gilroy will miss Ulster’s opening Heineken Cup tie against Leicester Tigers at Ravenhill tomorrow night due to an ankle injury.

Gilroy picked up the knock during last week’s 18-12 victory over the Ospreys and was still in an orthopaedic boot yesterday. “The injury is not too serious, and hopefully I will be fit for selection next week,” said a disappointed Gilroy.

It means coach Mark Anscombe must revert to Jared Payne at full-back with Darren Cave taking over the number 13 to partner Luke Marshall in midfield. Michael Allen, who has been a big performer for Ulster this season, could lose out with Tommy Bowe and Andrew Trimble taking the wing berths.