Fitzgerald shakes off groin strain to start against Ospreys

Leinster coach Matt O'Connor has named Luke Fitzgerald as a starter in their RaboDirect PRO12 game against the Ospreys on Saturday in the RDS at 6.15pm.

Fitzgerald has been named on the left wing for the visit of the Welsh side after shaking off a groin strain which had curtailed his training this week.

With Fergus McFadden (hamstring) unavailable, Brendan Macken continues his midfield partnership with Gordon D'Arcy in an unchanged backline from the side that defeated the Scarlets away last weekend.

Up front, Shane Jennings again leads the side and the forwards are boosted by the inclusion of wing-forward Kevin McLaughlin and hooker Richardt Strauss this weekend.

Mike McCarthy will make his home debut after appearing as a replacement in Llanelli, while there is also a first start this season for Mike Ross who also featured off the bench.

Ian Madigan has been named amongst the replacements alongside fellow Ireland internationals Isaac Boss, Sean Cronin and Rhys Ruddock.

LEINSTER (v Ospreys): D Kearney, Fanning, Macken, D'Arcy, Fitzgerald, Gopperth, Reddan, McGrath, Strauss, Ross, Toner, McCarthy, McLaughlin, Jennings

Replacements: Cronin, O'Connell, Moore, Denton, Ruddock, Boss, Madigan, Hudson.