Kearney and Blaney may start for Leinster

It is thought that Robert Kearney and David Blaney could start for Leinster in their make-or-break Heineken Cup opener against Bath on Saturday.

Denis Hickie has been sidelined for the foreseeable future, allowing Kearney in.

Hooker David Blaney's high octane performance last weekend has put him in pole position in his battle with Bernard Jackman.

Malcolm O'Kelly and recent signing Jonny Hepworth have been included in a 25-man squad.

LEINSTER SQUAD (v Bath):

Backs (10): Brian O Meara, Brian O'Riordan, Eoghan Hickey, Felipe Contepomi, Jonny Hepworth, Kieran Lewis, Shane Horgan, Robert Kearney, Gordon D'Arcy, Girvan Dempsey;

Forwards (15): Reggie Corrigan, Ronan McCormack, Will Green, Emmett Byrne, Bernard Jackman, David Blaney, Malcolm O Kelly, Bryce Williams, Ben Gissing, Des Dillon, Cameron Jowitt, Ciaran Potts, Keith Gleeson, Niall Ronan, Jamie Heaslip.