THE AUTUMN’S LEAVY’S

Dan desperate to get back into it soon after a 17-month absence

DAN LEAVY is close but not quite there yet.

After 17 months out with a careerthreatening knee injury, the 26-year-old is nearly ready to return to action for Leinster.

Indeed, the Blues find themselves close to full strength for their final regular game of the PRO14 season.

For Munster, meanwhile, it’s a nervous waiting game after RG Snyman (knee) and Dave Kilcoyne (ankle) had MRI scans yesterday.

Jean Kleyn also had further tests done on his neck as the Reds counted the cost of the physical damage inflicted in the loss to Leinster last Saturday.

However, Mike Haley will return from a calf injury as Munster chase the two points they need against Connacht on Sunday to join Leinster and Ulster in the semi-finals.

With Johnny Sexton, Josh van der Flier and Cian Healy given the all clear for next Saturday’s meeting with Ulster, only Dave Kearney (hamstring) is a major concern following Leinster’s 22nd straight win last weekend.

And the prospect of a return for back row poacher Leavy is an exciting prospect for the Blues coach Robin Mcbryde, though this week comes a little too soon for him.

“Dan is so close to being back,” said the Welshman. “He’s got a permanent smile on his face because he senses he’s that close to get back to it.

“Obviously, you’ve got to be respectful and mindful of the physiotherapists who have been working closely with him. You’ve got to listen to them.

“He’s going in the right direction. His energy levels, he’s bouncing around, taking part in training. We’ll wait to see on that decision.”

Tadhg Furlong wasn’t considered for selection last week after picking up a minor back injury, and a decision will be made on the tighthead’s involvement later in the week, with Leo Cullen likely to change things up with his team already in the play-offs.

“It was just a precaution, he had a twinge in his back,” said Mcbryde. “We didn’t want to risk rushing him back so he’ll be up for selection.

“He’s been training well. He had a little niggle with his calf but was building up for the game lovely and just had a spasm in his back that set him back a bit.

“He’s champing at the bit, especially after the game where Andrew (Porter) scrummaged particularly well, the scrum went well for us.

“Tadhg will be keen to prove himself as well, get to that standard and look to raise it. To have that competitiveness between two world-class tightheads in the same position, that’s great.”