McGahan names strong squad for Ospreys tie

Munster coach Tony McGahan has named an extended squad ahead of Sunday’s Heineken Cup game with Ospreys at Thomond Park. (kick-off 1pm)

Jerry Flannery and Duncan Williams are still unavailable through injury but, apart from their absence, McGahan has virtually a full strength side to choose from.

The big question is whether Paul O’Connell, who came on as a second-half replacement against Cardiff Blues last weekend, will figure in the starting line-up. The giant lock is low on match practice and the partnership of Donncha O’Callaghan and Mick O’Driscoll has been going well both at provincial and national level.

Donnacha Ryan also returns the side having served a three-week ban for stamping he picked up in Ireland’s Autumn test with Samoa.

There are selection dilemmas throughout the squad particularly at scrum-half where Peter Stringer has performed admirably in the absence of Tomás O’Leary, who has recovered from a broken thumb and is also named.

Paul Warwick, Johne Murphy, Doug Howlett, Keith Earls, Sam Tuitupou and Lifeimi Mafi will contest the three quarter spots in a backline loaded with talent.

The team and replacements will be named this Friday at 12 noon.

Munster Squad v Ospreys: Wian du Preez, Damien Varley, Mike Sherry, Darragh Hurley, John Hayes, Tony Buckley, Dave Ryan, Donncha O’Callaghan, Paul O’Connell, Mick O’Driscoll, Donnacha Ryan, James Coughlan, David Wallace, Alan Quinlan, Niall Ronan, Denis Leamy, Tomas O’Leary, Peter Stringer, Ronan O’Gara, Paul Warwick, Johne Murphy, Lifeimi Mafi, Tom Gleeson, Scott Deasy, Denis Hurley, Sam Tuitupou, Keith Earls, Doug Howlett.