Gaffney delays announcing squad

Alan Gaffney has delayed the announcement of his side for the Celtic League encounter against Connacht until later in the week as he has had just three players, backs Shaun Payne and Mike Mullins and flanker Jim Williams, available that started last time out in the Heineken Cup.

There have been a total of 12 players training with the Irish squad. John Hayes and Anthony Horgan are likely to be considered for selection.