ALEX OUT TO WOO REDS GAFFER

MUNSTER’S try scoring sensation Alex Wootton is hopeful his brace of PRO14 touchdowns in front of new head coach Johaan van Graan might propel him to a Champions Cup debut in the coming weeks.

But the 23-year from Macclesfield, who joined the Munster academy four years ago after a stint with Northampton Saints, isn’t getting carried away. With Keith Earls sidelined until the new year and the new boss anxious to leave his print on proceedings, Wootton’s double strike in Parma on Sunday to secure the win and a bonus point against Zebre couldn’t have come at a better time.

Wooton (left) said: “Obviously with Earlsy being injured there is a gap there needing to be filled. I am just trying to put my best foot forward and work my best for Munster.

“It is going well. I am just trying to take my opportunities when I am given them. It was a tough game, Zebre a different animal compared to last year.”

The former Irish under-20, who was playing just his 16th game for Munster on Sunday, believes the transition from Rassie Erasmus and Jacques Nienaber has gone well and that new boss van Graan is settling in quickly.

Wooton said: “We are all just like a sponge at the minute trying to take in what he wants to say.

“There is a transition but it has been very easy. There is no weight on our shoulders at all. If there is any changes they are very subtle.”