Flannery and Fitzgerald given time for November Tests

Ireland rugby coach Declan Kidney has left Munster's Jerry Flannery out of his squad to play in next month's international series, but has left the door open for his return from injury.

Tue, 19 Oct, 2010 - 14:09

Ireland rugby coach Declan Kidney has left Munster's Jerry Flannery out of his squad to play in next month's international series, but has left the door open for his return from injury.

Also in the same position is Luke Fitzgerald who picked up an injury in Leinster's Heineken Cup win over the Saracens at the weekend.

The 34-man squad announced today for the 2010 Guinness Series by the Ireland management shows the return of several players who were absent from the summer tour.

The uncapped pair of Leinster lock Devin Toner and Munster utility back Johne Murphy have won call-ups to the squad having impressed for their provinces in recent weeks.

They are Kidney's only uncapped players selected for the series which sees Ireland play South Africa, Samoa, New Zealand and Argentina on consecutive weekends in November.

The squad sees Keith Earls, Rory Best, Stephen Ferris, Denis Leamy, Sean O’Brien and Donnacha Ryan, who were all ruled out of the summer tour due to injuries at the end of the season, named in the panel.

Munster captain Paul O’Connell remains sidelined with injury and is not expected back till December. In his absence, Donncha O’Callaghan, Toner, Donnacha Ryan and veteran Mick O’Driscoll will contest the second-row spots.

Munster’s John Hayes is named in the squad despite losing his place at tight-head to Tony Buckley in recent weeks, while Mike Ross will provide further competition in this position.

There are no places in the squad, however, for Ulster centre Darren Cave and Connacht winger Fionn Carr who have been in superb form this season.

Jerry Flannery (calf) and Luke Fitzgerald (hip) both picked up injuries during last weekend’s Heineken Cup games and will remain with their provinces where their fitness will be fully assessed.

Tomás O’Leary is still out with a broken thumb so Eoin Reddan, Isaac Boss and Peter Stringer will fight it out for the number nine jersey.

Kevin McLaughlin is a long term absentee so backrowers Stephen Ferris, Jamie Heaslip, Denis Leamy, John Muldoon, Sean O’Brien and David Wallace make the squad.

Kidney said: "It is going to be a demanding month for the squad and the first time we have played four games in the Guinness series. We felt it was important to have at least 30 fit players to choose from in terms of setting the foundations for November and it was better for those who picked up knocks to be assessed back in the provinces and when they have the all clear, to come back into the squad.

"Jerry (Flannery) and Luke (Fitzgerald) are in that position, as are fellas like Tomas (O’Leary) and Leo (Cullen) who may well come back into the mix depending on their recoveries and game time that they may need to build up over the next couple of weeks.

Kidney said he would leave a window for them to come back.

"We need everybody in a position to be able to contribute in training, all the players in the squad are deserving of their chance. There are a lot of players who are unlucky not to make this squad, but the door will remain open to them also during November to join up with the panel."

"It will be great to be back playing in the home of Irish rugby on Lansdowne Road in the Aviva Stadium and the atmosphere from what I have seen so far rivals the old stadium.

Kidney recognised that there will be a lot of talk about the Rugby World Cup, but is determined to concentrate on the November internationals.

"We will take each week as it comes in November. We will soak up all the excitement that goes with all that, but the focus for everybody on November 6 will be performing against South Africa.”

Ireland squad:

Rory Best (Banbridge/Ulster)

Isaac Boss (Terenure College/Leinster)

Tommy Bowe (Ospreys)

Tony Buckley (Shannon/Munster)

Tom Court (Malone/Ulster)

Sean Cronin (Buccaneers/Connacht)

Gordon D'Arcy (Lansdowne/Leinster)

Gavin Duffy (Galwegians/Connacht)

Keith Earls (Thomond/Munster)

Stephen Ferris (Dungannon/Ulster)

Shane Horgan (Boyne/Leinster)