Murray and Earls "back in the mix" for Toulouse trip - Prendergast

Munster assistant coach Mike Prendergast has praised Conor Murray and Keith Earls for their reactions to being left out of the province's Heineken Champions Cup win against Northampton last week.

The centrally contracted Ireland internationals both missed out on the matchday 23 for Saturday's win against the Sharks, with Paddy Patterson preferred to Murray on the Munster bench, while Shane Daly and Calvin Nash beat out Earls on the wing.

The province travel to five-time champions Toulouse in their final pool game on Sunday, looking to ensure their place in the last 16 of the tournament, or maybe even a home tie in the next round should other results go their way.

And Prendergast says the pair are "back in the mix" for selection after what has been a challenging week.

"A real professional response," he said of their reaction to being dropped.

"They carried themselves so well in terms of their input on the pitch, but also off the pitch with team meetings. They're two pros who have been around the game for a long time.

"They were disappointed last week, last week is a different week to this week and they're back into the mix in terms of our selection discussions. We'll sit down over the next few days and see where we go from there.

"It wasn't easy for them, to be honest, but two good pros like them have been top notch for us.

"I think it's something we're trying to do, build that depth in the squad, in every position. Our squad depth is something we do see has progressed over the last couple of months, and that goes for any position within our squad.

"Guys have come in, got opportunities and have done well. Fortunately we still have a few lads to come back from injury which will put more pressure on, and that's what you want to get