IRELAND international Mark McCall, who injured a shoulder during an Ireland squad session less than three weeks ago (an injury that looked likely to keep him out of the game for up to six weeks) has made a remarkable and unexpectedly quick recovery and is in the Ulster team to meet Neath in the Heineken European Cup at the Gnoll tomorrow.

McCall resumed training early this week, took a full part in the squad training at Ravenhill last night and came through the session, held in wind, rain, thunder and lightning, without difficulty. That prompted the selectors to include him for what is a vital match for Ulster.

It may be a risk, but one the selectors and player obviously think is worth taking. His return is a major boost for the province. Further good news last night was confirmation that international centre Maurice Field is also fit after a foot injury. He and McCall both missed Ulster's match against Harlequins in the cup 10 days ago and McCall also missed the win over Caledonia.

The return of McCall and Field is particularly opportune as Sheldon Coulter, who played against Harlequins and Caledonia, has been ruled out with an attack of influenza.

The team shows three changes in personnel and a positional switch from the side that lost to Harlequins. Field and McCall come into the centre for Coulter and James Topping with Topping reverting to his normal wing berth in place of Neill McCluskey. In the pack Gary Longwell comes into the second row for Paddy Johns, who is not available as he has not been released by his club Saracens who have a league match on Tuesday.

The Munster selectors have given a well earned vote of confidence to the team that defeated Wasps last week for their final group match against the cup holders Toulouse in Toulouse tomorrow week.