Hickie Raring To Go

Denis Hickie

Ireland winger Denis Hickie is almost certain to see some action for Leinster against the Dragons tomorrow night, just over two months after his last cap for the Lions.

Hickie, 29, is itching to get back out on a pitch after he helped the Lions’ “Midweek Massive” end their side of the New Zealand tour unbeaten with a 17-13 defeat of Auckland on July 5.

Named in new coach Michael Cheika’s initial 25-man squad for tomorrow’s Celtic League clash at Donnybrook (kick-off 7.10pm, live Setanta Sports), Hickie should make the matchday 22, with a likely spot on the replacements bench for the St Mary’s man.

Hickie, refreshed from the pre-season conditioning programme, feels ready for his provincial return. “Early July was the last time that I had any involvement in a game and I’ve been back training for six weeks at this stage,” he said.

“It might look from the outside that we’re only back but I’ve been over to Spala (in Poland) and back here I’ve been involved with the squad for the last week or two. You’ve got to start sometime so it starts now.

I’ve done enough to get me here, been to Poland with the Irish squad and got my six weeks training behind me – so I feel ready.”

With a tight win over Glasgow behind Leinster, it could be an opportune time for Hickie and his Lions’ colleagues Shane Horgan and Gordon D’Arcy to return in blue. D’Arcy’s involvement, however, will be curtailed as he is still recovering from shoulder surgery.

Cheika said: “Since they’ve (the Lions players) been back, they’ve been flat at it in training and that has been very refreshing for me and for the rest of the squad.

“Those guys are still in their own pre-season cycle so it’s a delicate balance but I’m pleased to add the likes of Denis Hickie and Shane Horgan who should make the squad.”