Leinster coach Michael Cheika has named Brian O’Meara in his 25 man squad ahead of Saturday’s Heineken Cup match with Glasgow Warriors at the RDS.
Scrumhalf O’Meara returns to the fold after recovering from a rib injury but is unlikely to figure ahead of Guy Easterby or Brian O’Riordan.
O’Riordan deputised for Easterby for the final 20 minutes of last week’s defeat to Llanelli Scarlets after the latter lost three teeth in a tackle. Despite his injury Easterby is expected to feature having played on for some time after the incident.
Also named is Rob Kearney, who was omitted from the team that lost at Stradey Park last weekend, having not recovered fully from a back injury. Cheika confirmed today that the winger and hooker David Blaney are still doubts.
"Dave Blaney picked up a knock in training so we'll have a better idea with him in the next day or so. We're also waiting on the availability of Rob Kearney," said Cheika.
Emmet Byrne is included in the forwards selection after tighthead prop Will Green was ruled out with a shoulder injury.
Denis Hickie and Gordon D’Arcy are also included, as is Ireland captain Brian O’Driscoll as he bids to regain full fitness.
Cheika is expecting a tough game on Saturday but sees it as an opportunity to put right what went wrong against Llanelli.
On Glasgow: "In the two matches that we've played this season they have really challenged us. The players are definitely aware of that. They play an expansive game and they also have a good kicking game.
"They pushed Ulster to the limit last weekend and will be looking to do the same to us on Saturday.
"We have both our eyes on the game this week. Our focus is on nothing else than Glasgow at the moment," he added.
"Our team is a work in progress. We've got to put right our performance in Llanelli last weekend against Glasgow.
"Glasgow are a very competitive side. They're physically big and they fight for every ball on the ground and in the air.
"We need to develop the consistency to ensure that we can play the game at the highest level. But out of our six defeats this season, four have been by two points so it's about playing for the full length of time."
Nearly 11,000 tickets have already been sold for what will be Leinster’s final home game this season.
Forwards (13): Reggie Corrigan, Ronan McCormack, Emmett Byrne, Brian Blaney, David Blaney, Conor Geoghegan, Malcolm O'Kelly, Adam Byrnes, Bryce Williams, Cameron Jowitt, Eric Miller, Keith Gleeson, Jamie Heaslip
Backs (12): Guy Easterby, Brian O'Riordan, Brian O'Meara, Felipe Contepomi, John Hepworth, Gordon D'Arcy, Brian O'Driscoll, Shane Horgan, Denis Hickie, Kieran Lewis, Rob Kearney, Girvan Dempsey
Referee: Joel Jutge (France)
