Conor Murray: I'm not thinking about my Munster future 

The 35-year-old scrum-half's latest one-year contract is set to run until next summer.

FOCUS ON NEXT GAME: Conor Murray during a Munster Rugby squad training at the University of Limerick in Limerick. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile.

Conor Murray has insisted he is not thinking about his playing future beyond his current contract as the Munster veteran prepares for Saturday’s pool-deciding Champions Cup clash at Northampton Saints.

The 35-year-old scrum-half is set to make his 199th Munster appearance at Franklin’s Gardens when his province attempts to defeat the English champions and top Pool 3 for home Round of 16 draw.

Murray, who is also in line for Ireland selection when interim head coach Simon Easterby unveils his Six Nations squad on Wednesday, started in Munster’s 17-12 home win over Saracens last Saturday on his return from an elbow injury that had kept him out of action since November’s Autumn Nations Series.

Yet while his latest one-year contract is set to run until next summer, the Patrickswell native with 120 caps for Ireland, could not give any clarity on his future plans when that deal expires.

"I don't know, to be honest with you," Murray said. "I'm not cutting you off, I'm just not really thinking about that just now.

"I suppose my immediate focus is on what's in front of me now with Munster.

"I was out for December and I was really keen to get back fit and I managed to do that and get back on the pitch last weekend, and I really enjoyed the week, I enjoyed the game obviously, I got to play 80 which I hadn't done in a while and really loved that.

"In terms of contract, it's not that I'm not talking about it, I just haven't given it thought just yet and I don't really have anything to say to you.

"I just want to enjoy rugby, I know the end is soon, I don't know when that will be but I just want to make sure I stay fit and enjoy it while I can.”

Meanwhile, Murray’s fellow veteran Peter O’Mahony remains on course to pass fit for the Saints clash with interim boss Ian Costello underlining how important the former captain remains on big European match weeks.

The 35-year-old back-rower has been sidelined for a month since sustaining a calf contusion during the 16-14 Pool 3 defeat at Castres on December 13.

Yet the Ireland Test centurion appears ready to return with Munster making a final decision on O’Mahony’s availability for the trip to Franklin’s Gardens ahead of Friday’s team announcement.

Interim head coach Costello on Tuesday said: “He trained today, he didn't do a full session, he was never meant to. He did exactly what he needed to do today to stay in the conversation for Thursday.

“Having Peter with us when you travel to an away game is huge, so we'll give him every opportunity to be involved.

“I know Peter a long, long time, I knew him when he was even grumpier than he is now, back in his academy days.

“Same as Paulie (O’Connell) was when he was here, when he's in the building standards are higher, when he trains, we train better. He holds people to account, including the coaches, he drives standards and he sets standards and I think he draws a lot of attention when he plays.

“There's a lot of focus on him, which frees up a lot of other guys, and he's willing to be that arrowhead. So look, you want people like that in the trenches with you and he's definitely one you'd take every single time.”