Leinster coach names squad to take on Warriors

Leinster coach Michael Cheika welcomes back skipper Brian O’Driscoll and Malcolm O’Kelly into the extended panel for the first time this season after their return from the Rugby World Cup ahead of the clash with Glasgow Warriors in Friday night’s Magners League clash at Firhill.

Second row Trevor Hogan has undergone surgery on a knee cartilage injury and is likely to miss the opening rounds of the province’s Heineken Cup campaign which starts at home to Leicester Tigers on November 10.

Gary Brown picked up a foot injury and is also unavailable for selection, while both Leo Cullen and Chris Whitaker are rated as doubtful.

Coach Michael Cheika said: “It’s obviously a blow to lose Trevor and Gary because their recent performances have been of a high standard. Fergus McFadden is ok, but we’ll have to wait and see on how both Leo and Chris are this week.

“On a positive note, we’re delighted to welcome back both Brian and Malcolm from Ireland duty. They’ve been around for training and I suppose it’s a bit of a re-start for them as it’s the first time that they will have played the new players who have joined the squad.

“The players who were away at the World Cup have shown a real hunger to get back and play for Leinster and it will be a further boost when the other players join the squad for the following game.”

LEINSTER SQUAD (v Glasgow):

FORWARDS: S. Wright, J. Gomez, C. Healy, S. Knoop, B. Blaney, B. Jackman, L. Cullen, M. O’Kelly, D. Toner, C. Jowitt, K. McLaughlin, S. Keogh, J. Heaslip, K. Gleeson, S. Jennings;

BACKS: C. Whitaker, C. Keane, C. Willis, J. Sexton, C. Warner, B. O’Driscoll, F. McFadden, F. Carr, R. Kearney, L. Fitzgerald, R. McCarron.