Leinster waiting on trio

Leinster full-back Girvan Dempsey is confident he can overcome injury to play in his side’s Heineken Cup tie against Swansea at Donnybrook on Friday.

The Ireland international is one of three doubts with wing Denis Hickie and front row Emmet Byrne also giving coach Matt Williams cause for concern.

Dempsey suffered a groin injury during Friday night’s friendly against Connacht in Athlone.

A Leinster spokesman said: “We initially thought it was a hip injury but it’s actually a problem in the groin.

“He tweaked a groin muscle going up for a high ball on Friday night in a very cold and frosty Athlone.

“So he stopped in his tracks and came off, which was a good call. I spoke to him as he was on the physio’s table and he’s very confident that he’ll be okay.”

Leinster and Ireland winger Hickie sat out last Friday’s victory over their Irish rivals as a precaution having picked up an ankle strain in Lanzarote during Ireland’s pre-Christmas training camp.

Prop Byrne also missed the 25-3 win due to a bout of gastroenteritis.

The spokesman added: “Denis should be okay and Emmet was back training today so we’re hopeful that we’ll be at fairly full strength.”

With four wins out of four, Leinster top Pool Four ahead of Bristol and Montferrand with Swansea propping up the table.

Victory over Swansea should mean Williams’ side securing an all-important home quarter-final slot.