Ireland receive O'Mahony boost ahead of autumn internationals

Ireland international Peter O'Mahony is set to return for the much awaited autumn internationals after recovering from a long-standing knee injury.

The 27-year-old last featured in the 2015 World Cup game against France where he went off the field in the second half and was ruled out of action for almost a year. He will now feature for his club Munster on the bench during the Pro12 clash against Zebre.

A statement released by Munster confirmed that O'Mahony will start on the bench on Saturday.

"Following the successful rehabilitation of an ACL rupture sustained in Ireland's historic World Cup win over France last October, O'Mahony will hope to see some game time after being named amongst the replacements," read Munster's statement.

Apart from O'Mahony, full-back Simon Zebo is also given a start by Munster after the Ireland international successfully recovered from a hip injury.

Describing the rehabilitation period as frustrating, O'Mahony is now looking to regain full fitness and return to action full fledged.

"I think I have dealt quite well with the injury, not just around the squad but at home as well," O'Mahony told the Irish Examiner.

"It was a long-term injury and I prepared myself for that but the last six to eight weeks were tough, just being on the edge and nearly there.

"Training on your own is tough because it's a team sport. For the last few weeks I've been lacing up the boots to go out and do a full session which was exciting.

"It will take me another few weeks (to regain full match sharpness). There's only so much you can train, how much you can simulate in training.

"So it will be a case of getting out there and throwing myself about and seeing how I get on."

Apart from their three-Test series against New Zealand, Ireland are also scheduled to take on Australia and Canada during November.