Brian McLaughlin has named in a strong 32 man squad to face the Scarlets in the Magners League on Friday evening (KO 19.05).

Ireland trio Andrew Trimble, Paddy Wallace and Tom Court have been released from 6 Nations duty by Declan Kidney to get some game time, but Rory Best and Stephen Ferris will remain in Dublin with the squad. Their availability will be a huge boost to Ulster Coach Brian McLaughlin after a narrow 23-22 defeat by the Ospreys on Sunday. Trimble, Wallace and Court will no doubt be looking for a big performance to force their way into the starting XV against Scotland next week.

Ireland U-20 outhalf Paddy Jackson is added to the panel and he will be hoping to get his first taste of Magners League action, having previously appeared on the bench against Munster on New Year’s Day. Ian Humphreys is also named despite being forced to leave the field early against the Ospreys with a shoulder injury.

Both teams will view this match as must win if they are to realise their ambitions of a top four finish. The Scarlets have lost their previous 5 matches in all competitions, but despite this poor form they currently occupy 4th position, two places ahead of Ulster. Defeat for Ulster on Friday would see them lose further ground on their rivals so they will be intent on producing a big performance.

The match day squad will be named at a later this week.