Knee op for Ulster’s McMillan

Talented flanker Neil McMillan is to undergo a second exploratory operation on his left knee just as Ulster gear up for the start of their Heineken Cup Pool 6 campaign.

The 23-year-old, who was pushing for inclusion in the Ireland autumn internationals squad, is expected to be out at least three weeks more, in what has been an injury-plagued spell for the openside.

Eleven months ago the Belfast star suffered from a cruciate ligament strain and was forced to undergo an investigative scope op on the same left knee.

The former Irish young player of the year missed most of last season due to keyhole surgery on his cruciate, and has made just one appearance for Ulster this season - in the 17-16 win over Edinburgh on September 4.

"It has been very frustrating," said McMillan, who undergoes an arthoscopy tomorrow. "But hopefully everything will be sorted out soon."

With Leinster flanker Keith Gleeson's broken leg ruling him out for another four months, the way now seems clear for London Wasps number 7 Jonny O'Connor to make his senior international bow.

Capped at U19, U21, U23 and A level, Galway-born O'Connor was watched by both Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan and forwards coach Niall O'Donovan as Wasps secured their second win of the Zurich Premiership season, beating London Irish 35-26 last Sunday week.

O'Sullivan has described recent media reports linking O'Connor with a possible England cap as "mischievous".