Leinster head coach Michael Cheika has paid tribute to retiring second row Malcolm O’Kelly ahead of the Magners League semi-final clash with Munster at the RDS on Saturday.
“I think everyone knows what he (Malcolm) has contributed as a player. He has been a pro for a long time and the mere fact that his standing within our squad at the moment, where he’s well in line to start the match this weekend, pretty much says it all about him.
“On a personal level, from the first day I came in, he was open to change. He helped me in making the change in a different way; he may not be the captain’s style of player but he undertakes his influence in the team in a totally different way, more as a colleague in the changing-room. He’s always open to become better as a player. Even now we have come off the training field and he was out there running around and still wanting to improve and be better.
“He has been an unbelievable influence on the team and on me and he has been an integral part of the change that I hope has happened in Leinster Rugby over the last five years.
“One of the big things that I’ve noticed with him is that over the first season I was here he had some longer term injuries and he worked hard to get himself into a situation where he could play week in, week out. We didn’t have a lot of resources back then in terms of depth in the squad but he was able to overcome groin and knee problems which, for a big guy like him, and he worked hard.
Cheika also answered questions surrounding Leo Cullen’s injury and the expected return of Jonny Sexton.
“Leo (Cullen) has a problem with his shoulder. He won’t be available for this weekend’s match but we’re hopeful that his season is not over as of yet. I’d say that Jonny Sexton’s going to be alright. He just trained now and he probably could have edged it (selection) last week if we wanted to, but we decided not to. (Shane) Jennings didn’t train today but looks like he’s getting himself back on his feet. With (Sean) O’Brien we still wouldn’t be too sure about yet, it’s just taking a bit of time for him to get over his injury, so we’ll just have to wait and see there. He’s running, but I don’t think he’d be up to be playing better than Stephen Keogh is at the moment, if Jennings is back. Keogh is playing well.
“(Bernard) Jackman is missing still, Gordon D’Arcy is alright. Shaun Berne (quad) still hasn’t been able to run so we’re not sure, but the doctors are confident that he’ll be able to train on Thursday and if he’s right to train then he’ll be alright for selection.
The Magners League semi-final between Leinster and Munster kicks-off at 8pm at the RDS.
Click here to view JOE’s gallery tribute to Malcolm O’Kelly.
