McLaughlin names squad for Glasgow

Ulster Head Coach Brian McLaughlin has today named a 26-man squad to face Glasgow Warriors on Friday night at Ravenhill (8pm), as Ulster return to Mangers League action.

The match will see a clash between third place Glasgow and fourth place Ulster with the prize of retaining a top four play-off spot at stake.

Chris Henry will captain the Ulster side.

Ulster Coach Brian McLaughlin commented: 'We had a team bonding day yesterday, which was a great success. The guys have been separated for five weeks, so it was important to get them back into focus for Glasgow as a team, as quickly as possible.

'The aim for training this week is to ensure we're at our optimum level on Friday night, working as one unit, to produce a top level performance. You've always got to be wary of Glasgow; they are a big hitting side, and are playing very well this season. If we play to our optimum level we should be OK.'

Ireland duo Paddy Wallace and Stephen Ferris were among those not considered due to injured, as was South Africa prop BJ Botha.

Bryn Cunningham, Matt McCullough, Mark McCrea, Robbie Diack and long term absentee Rory Best were also not considered due to injury.

The playing 22 will be named during Thursday afternoon.

Ulster also sought to end speculation about the contractual situation of Botha.

A statement said: 'Contrary to media reports last week, Ulster Rugby wishes to confirm that prop Brendon 'BJ' Botha is under contract with the club until June 2011.

Ulster Rugby'Operations Director David Humphreys commented: 'Brian and the coaching staff see BJ as one of the cornerstones of what is a young Ulster team and he is very much a part of what we are trying to achieve in terms of bringing the team through. He is enjoying his time at Ulster Rugby and plays a hugely important role for us.'

Forwards: Tom Court, Bryan Young, Declan Fitzpatrick, Adam Macklin, Justin Fitzpatrick, Andy Kyriacou, Nigel Brady, Ed O'Donoghue, Ryan Caldwell, Dan Tuohy, David Pollock, Willie Faloon, Chris Henry (Capt), Tamaiti Houra, Thomas Anderson

Backs: Clinton Schifcofske, Simon Danielli, Timoci Nagusa, Jonny Shiels, Niall O'Connor, Ian Humphreys, Darren Cave, Ian Whitten, Paul Marshall, Isaac Boss, Jamie Smith