Ferris included in Ulster's provisional squad

Brian McLaughlin has included Stephen Ferris in his provisional squad for Sunday’s Heineken Cup quarter final against Munster at Thomond Park (1.45pm).

Ulster remain hopeful the Ireland flanker will be available despite picking up an ankle injury in last Friday’s PRO12 win over Aironi.

Mike McComish has returned to full training and has been named in the extended squad for the first time since suffering concussion during the Edinburgh match over a month ago.

Second row Tim Barker (back) and wing Simon Danielli (hamstring) remain sidelined, while young backs James McKinney (shoulder) and Chris Coachrane (foot) have picked up injuries.

Munster’s 9-18 defeat against Leinster on Saturday was their first home defeat in a competitive game this season.

The Munstermen progressed unbeaten through their pool, a great achievement given that their opponents were last year’s beaten finalists Northampton, as well as Scarlets and Castres.

Ulster go into Sunday’s fixture in good form, having won their last three games in the PRO12 and scored 15 tries in the process.

Provisional Ulster Squad to play Munster, Sunday, April 8, Thomond Park (kick off 1.45pm):

Forwards: Callum Black, Tom Court, Adam Macklin, Declan Fitzpatrick, John Afoa, Paddy McAllister, Rory Best, Nigel Brady, Andi Kyricaou, Lewis Stevenson, Dan Tuohy, Johann Muller (captain), Neil McComb, Stephen Ferris, Mike McComish, Willie Faloon, Pedrie Wannenburg, Chris Henry, Robbie Diack.

Backs: Paul Marshall, Ruan Pienaar, Ian Porter, Ian Humphreys, Paddy Jackson, Luke Marshall, Paddy Wallace, Ian Whitten, Nevin Spence, Darren Cave, Stefan Terblanche, Conor Gaston, Craig Gilroy, Andrew Trimble, Adam D’Arcy.