Named in the Munster squad for Saturday's Magners League encounter with Ulster, a delighted O'Sullivan said: "Initially the prognosis for the knee was not good. But I set myself a target of being back in time for the (Heineken Cup) knock-outs and so it's a real boost to added to that squad."

Sean Cronin, who has been impressing again for Shannon this season, recently announced that he will take up a full professional contract with Connacht at the end of this season.

Meanwhile, on the Munster injury front, flanker David Wallace did some jogging at training in Garryowen on Thursday, accompanied by Tom Comyns in his laps of the back pitch at Dooradoyle.

Versatile back rower Denis Leamy is expected to have a further examination of his shoulder today, while back-line duo Barry Murphy and Keith Earls both continue to make steady progress in their recovery from hamstring injuries.