Sean O’Brien is hoping to play his part in Leinster’s bid for domestic and European glory as he closes in on a return to action.

The Lions flanker has returned to training after a shoulder injury but missed his side’s Champions Cup quarter-final victory over Saracens.

In O’Brien’s and others absence, head coach Leo Cullen has had to rotate his squad to deal with injuries Leinster have had to contend with this season.

James Ryan, Andrew Porter and Jordan Larmour have caught the eye in particular, and O’Brien expressed his delight at how the youngsters have performed.

“It’s absolutely brilliant,” O’Brien told Off The Ball’s Will O’Callaghan.

“Right through the pack: front rowers, second rowers and loads of back rowers. The boys have really stepped in and filled a bit of a void that’s been left there.

“In terms of how well they’ve played, and how consistently they’re playing, it’s been brilliant. I have no fear whatsoever in those younger guys and they’re used to winning as well, which is very important.”

Leinster face a Champions Cup semi-final clash with Scarlets and remain well placed to reach the knockout stages of the Pro14.

And O’Brien is looking forward to playing his part in the remainder of the domestic season for Leinster.

“There’s loads to play for,” O’Brien added.

“[The team] did an excellent job last weekend [and now] we have a semi-final to look forward to in Europe and we have a few league games left, and hopefully knockout rugby to play in that too.

“It’s good that it’s [Champions Cup semi-final] in the Aviva again and it should be a fantastic day with a massive crowd.

“Last weekend was electric, so hopefully we’ll have more of the same - everyone feeds off that and grows into the game.

“Every home game obviously goes in our favour with the home crowd, you’re not travelling away and you can stay in your own bed for the night.”

Written by James Hopper