Stringer named in Munster squad

As usual, Munster coach Declan Kidney is keeping his cards close to his chest by naming an extended 28-man squad ahead of Friday night's Heineken Cup clash with Sale Sharks in Manchester.

Scrum-half Peter Stringer has been included in the squad as competition to Tomas O'Leary.

The omission of a third number nine would seem to suggest that Stringer will, at least, be fit enough for the bench.

Munster Squad: (28)

Forwards (14): Frank Roche, John Hayes, Marcus Horan, Federico Pucciarello, Frank Sheahan, Jerry Flannery, Trevor Hogan, Donncha O’Callaghan, Mick O’Driscoll, David Wallace, Anthony Foley, Denis Leamy, Alan Quinlan, Stephen Keogh;

Backs (14): Peter Stringer, Tomas O’Leary, Ronan O’Gara, Paul Burke, Jeremy Manning, Anton Pitout, Anthony Horgan, Trevor Halstead, Rob Henderson, Gary Connolly, Barry Murphy, John Kelly, Ian Dowling, Shaun Payne.