Sheahan on comeback trail

…Hey Frankie: Frankie Sheahan is on the comeback trail having been named in the Munster Squad…

Declan Kidney has named a young squad for Friday’s “friendly” against Leicester Tigers with six Academy players and five player who are on development contracts. In amongst the rising stars and new signings such as Chris Wyatt is one name that many people will be delighted to see on the team sheet – that of Frankie Sheahan.

Sheahan, who seemed poised to make the Ireland berth his own, has been out of action for ten months following a neck injury he sustained in a game against Sale Sharks.

Sheahan is one of a few “old hands” named in the squad which also includes Christian Cullen, Shaun Payne, John Kelly and Tomas O’Leary.

While this is Munster’s first game of the season, Leicester Tigers have already got three under their belts. Coach Pat Howard is looking for a step up of intensity from his side: “We will do a lot of hard work and probably go to Munster a little bit tired, but we want to play against them with the players under a bit of duress. Munster will probably not be at full strength and we might make a few changes.”

The game kicks off in Musgrave Park at 7 p.m.

The Munster Squad in full:

Forwards: E McGovern, F Pucciariello, D Hurley, Tim Ryan, F Sheahan, S Cronin, C Wyatt, D Ryan, S O’Connor, R Noonan, J Coughlan, J O’Sullivan, B Cuttriss.

Backs:C Delooze, T O’Leary, G Hurley, J Manning, E Hickey, J Downey, T Gleeson, S Payne, J Kelly, I Dowling, C Cullen, C O’Boyle, M Lawlor.