Ian Humphreys named in Ulster squad to play Aironi
Ian Humphreys has been named in the Ulster squad to play Aironi this Friday as a possible replacement for Niall O'Connor.
Humphreys has been out of favour at the club during the start of this season. O'Connor has been preferred at fly half and this is a big opportunity for Humphreys to thrive for the club under the pressure
of playing in Europe.
"We are very proud of our record so far but we feel we can play better and we will look to European competition to help us reach new heights. Aironi present a different Italian challenge than clubs from
there previously in Europe. Ian will help us," said coach Brian McLaughlin.
There is a big argument for picking Humphreys to start against Aironi. However, McLaughlin is yet to confirm his starting team for the match, which means there is still time for things to change.
A clear case
There is a clear case to pick Humphreys because he is a very hungry player and will feel as though he has a little to prove. He has not been given many chances to play this season, which means he'll be
certain to raise his performance level for the match.
Humphreys is not a bad fly half. He is very good at making short and accurate passes in important areas of the field. His kicking is also good enough to do a job for the team in the biggest club competition
in Europe.
Humphreys has age and experience on his side. At 28 years-= old he has a number of playing seasons under his belt. His time with Leicester and Ulster will also have produced many Heineken Cup matches.
This will be vital in keeping younger members of the team calm.
Betting advice
Ulster should win the club's first Heineken Cup match of the season. All of the media reports and stories suggest that Humphreys could start the game and back him to top score in the match if he does.
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