Denis Leamy has 'no doubts' that Malakai Fekitoa will make his mark

Munster defence coach Denis Leamy says he's confident the best of Malakai Fekitoa is yet to come, despite the new signing's slow start to life at the province.

The former All Black centre, and current Tonga international, has been left out of the side in recent weeks, with head coach Graham Rowntree instead opting for Antoine Frisch and Rory Scannell in his midfield.

Fekitoa started six of the province's first seven games of the season, but has found himself surplus to requirements in recent weeks, with a 17-minute substitute appearance against the South African Select XV in Cork his only action in the last four matches.

The 30-year-old was a high-profile signing, brought in to replace Damian de Allende, and while he doesn't appear to be in the province's short-term plans, defence coach Leamy says the former Wasps and Toulon star is making good progress behind the scenes.

"Mala is doing very well," Leamy said. "We see him on a day-in and day-out basis, we're constantly talking to Mala in terms of how he gets across whet the coaches want.

"We have a lot of players who are playing very well, so selection is becoming very hot. There's loads of debate around our different options.

"Mala is doing very well and I think he'll be a big player for us going forward, no doubt."

While Scannell and Frisch have started together in each of the last three games, Jack Crowley showed his versatility by coming on in the centre during the second half of last weekend's Heineken Champions Cup defeat to Toulouse, and Leamy says the Ireland international is constantly adding layers to his game.

"I thought Jack did really well, he's obviously a very talented lad, he has loads of ability and gives us a lot in a 12 jersey.

"It's great to have backs,