Rugby:Centre Nevin Spence has been named in a 34-man Ulster squad for their Heineken Cup clash away to Aironi on Saturday despite the rib injury that he picked up in their bonus-point victory over the Italians at Ravenhill last weekend.
He will be assesses by Ulster medical staff throughout the week and has not been ruled out for selection at this stage, Coach Brian McLaughlin will name his team on Friday afternoon for the game in Monza.
Paddy Wallace, Jared Payne and Declan Fitzpatrick remain on the province’s injury list.
Meanwhile, Leinster have reported no fresh injury worries ahead of their clash against Bath at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday evening.
Lock Steven Sykes, who missed the win in Bath last Sunday with a virus, could come back into contention the mix this week, while Mat Berquist is reported to be making good progress after his knee surgery and it is hoped that he could return to action early in the New Year.
ULSTER (Squad v Aironi) - Backs:Paul Marshall, Ian Porter, Ruan Pienaar, Ian Humphreys, Paddy Jackson, Nevin Spence, Luke Marshall, Ian Whitten, Darren Cave, Craig Gilroy, Simon Danielli, Andrew Trimble, Adam D'Arcy, Stefan Terblanche.
Forwards:Paddy McAllister, Callum Black, Tom Court, Adam Macklin, John Afoa, Jerry Cronin, Andi Kyriacou, Nigel Brady, Rory Best, Lewis Stevenson, Johann Muller (capt), Dan Tuohy, Tim Barker, Neil McComb, Stephen Ferris, Mike McComish, Pedrie Wannenburg, Willie Faloon, Chris Henry, Robbie Diack.