AFTER THEIR CONTROVERSIAL loss away to Cardiff last time out Connacht could really do with a win this weekend, and their trip to Thomond Park will feel a little less daunting with the news that Kieran Marmion has recovered from injury.

Marmion has missed the last three Connacht games and while John Cooney has performed well in his absence, the Irish international has been a very effective attacker for Connacht throughout this season.

There had been hope that centre Bundee Aki might be fit enough to return to the team this weekend too but Connacht will continue to monitor his progress. Fellow centre Dave McSharry is also unavailable after injuring his knee in training last week.

There was also mixed health reports for the back row, as Eoin McKeon is available for selection after missing four games but Jake Heenan and Willie Faloon have been ruled out for the remainder of the season, with both of them suffering from shoulder problems.

As it stands, Connacht occupy the last automatic Champions Cup qualification spot in the league, and have a three-point lead over the Scarlets and a four-point advantage over Edinburgh.

The Welsh side host Edinburgh in Parc y Scarlets this Saturday.

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