Fitzgerald determined to step up for Friend in need

Conor Fitzgerald says he is eager to repay the faith that Andy Friend has shown in him as Connacht seek a return to winning ways against Gloucester in the Heineken Champions Cup (Saturday, 12.45pm, Sportsgrounds).

Regarded as second choice — at best — at the start of the season, Fitzgerald has made Connacht tick from the out-half berth this season and after stepping past David Horwitz in the depth chart, he has even usurped Ireland international Jack Carty as first choice in the western province.