McGahan delays naming his squad

MUNSTER coach Tony McGahan has delayed naming his squad for Saturday’s glamour Magners League semi-final clash with Leinster until later today as a result of on-going injury doubts over several key players.
Winger Ian Dowling and captain Paul O’Connell have already been ruled out of Saturday’s tie at the RDS which begins at 8pm.
Keith Earls is rated a doubtful starter for the clash due to an on-going groin injury.
Munster coach Tony McGahan is hopeful that the vastly-experienced winger Doug Howlett will be available for the trip to Dublin.
McGahan is also keeping his fingers crossed that hooker Jerry Flannery and Mick O’Driscoll will be fit.
McGahan explained that captain Paul O’Connell is due to get out of hospital on Thursday, but the coach was unaware of the lock undergoing any procedure for his on-going groin injury.
John Hayes, who was rested for Sunday’s trip to Cardiff, will return to the squad.
Coach McGahan said the players had been boosted by their gritty performance at the Cardiff City Stadium on Sunday when a losing bonus point secured their passage into the inaugural Magners League play-offs.
“I think in the weekend game with Cardiff - even though we didn’t win - we had done enough to get the result and that has certainly given the squad a big boost,” Tony McGahan said.
“Heading into a semi-final weekend in Dublin there is plenty to be pleased about and we are certainly looking forward to that aspect of it.”
While Munster lost exactly half of their 18 regular season games in the Magners League, it was the holders ability to collect bonus points - six losing bonus points and three try bonus points - which ultimately helped secure their place in the play-offs.

COLM KINSELLA