Kidney forced to improvise

Celtic League: Munster coach Declan Kidney is trying to juggle dwindling playing resources with the twin pursuits of European Cup and Celtic League glory. Tonight he's had to reshuffle once again as a host of players are carrying niggling injuries.

In terms of fortune, it doesn't pay to be a Shannon prop these days: Marcus Horan, Tony Buckley and Frankie Roche are all sidelined, while Freddie Pucciariello is also hors de combat.

That means a start for Eugene McGovern at loosehead, while John Hayes' legendary toughness allows him to shrug off his discomfort to play.

UCC's Tim Ryan acts as cover on the bench alongside Garryowen hooker Damien Varley.

Kidney has opted for a five forwards, two backs split among the replacements, thus allowing the return after injury of flanker Alan Quinlan. The Tipperary man hasn't played since the opening European Cup match last October against the Sale Sharks at Edgeley Park.

Tomás O'Leary has shrugged off a hamstring injury, and his versatility facilitates the desire to have only two backs - Gary Connolly is the other - on the bench. Shaun Payne returns at fullback with Christian Cullen named at outside centre, a role he's played for the All Blacks.

It'll be interesting to see how he fares in what is proving a troublesome position to fill following Barry Murphy's broken leg. Rob Henderson, John Kelly and Mike Mullins are all on the treatment table, where they have been joined by left wing Ian Dowling. The latter is replaced by Mossie Lawler.

Ronan O'Gara returns at outhalf in place of Jeremy Manning; the young New Zealand-born UCC player rested after taking another blow to the head against the Border Reivers.

Mike Prendergast continues to deputise for the injured Peter Stringer, while hooker Jerry Flannery (hamstring) hasn't been asked to tog out.

The Ospreys have made several changes to the team that were comprehensively beaten by Leinster at Lansdowne Road, including heralding the return of Lions and Wales wing Shane Williams, outhalf Shaun Connor and hooker Barry Williams.

The Welsh province are a much more formidable side at home, although their recent record against Munster isn't great.

If the Irish province manage to continue their challenge for the Celtic League tonight with a victory then they will feel they can accomplish anything this season.

Munster will tog out in their traditional red jerseys in the Heineken European Cup final against Biarritz on May 20th, having won the toss.

OSPREYS: S Terblanche; R Mustoe, S Parker, G Henson, S Williams; S Connor, J Spice; D Jones (capt), B Williams, A Jones; A-Wyn Jones, I Evans; A Lloyd, S Tandy, J Thomas. Replacements: H Bennett, P James, L Bateman, J Bater, M Jones, A Bishop, J Vaughton.

MUNSTER: S Payne; A Horgan, C Cullen, T Halstead, M Lawlor; R O'Gara, M Prendergast; E McGovern, D Fogarty, J Hayes; M O'Driscoll, P O'Connell; S Keogh, D Leamy, A Foley (capt). Replacements: T Ryan, D Varley, D O'Callaghan, J O'Sullivan, A Quinlan, T O'Leary, G Connolly.

Referee: Graham Hannah (Scotland).

Leading points scorers: Ospreys - Gavin Henson 82. Munster - Ronan O'Gara 75.

Leading try scorers: Ospreys - Andrew Bishop 3. Munster - Anthony Horgan, John Kelly, Federico Pucciariello 4 each.

Verdict: Munster to win.

Ospreys v Munster Liberty stadium, 7.10 On TV: Setanta Sports