McCarthy added to Connacht injury list

Lock Mike McCarthy returned to his province Connacht after a impressive display with Ireland over the autumn international series but there is a question mark over his fitness ahead of Saturday’s RaboDirect PRO12 clash with Scottish side Edinburgh at the Sportsground (5pm).

McCarthy, who celebrates his 31st birthday today, picked up a back injury in the win over Argentina and will continue to be monitored early in the week and a decision will be made on his availability on Thursday.

Flying winger Fetu’u Vainikolo was rested yesterday on his return from international duty with his native Tonga.

The 27-year-old scored two tries in the November series including the decisive try in Tonga’s 21-15 win over Scotland.

Prop Ronan Loughney hasn't trained this week due to a knee injury picked up during the weekend’s 14-3 defeat to Dragons. The results of his scan will determine his involvement this weekend.

TJ Anderson, Finlay Bealham, Mata Fifita, Eoin Griffin, Frank Murphy, John Muldoon, George Naoupu, Dave Nolan and Kyle Tonetti remain unavailable for selection due to injury.