Ireland trio return for Ulster clash with Queensland Reds

Head coach Richie Murphy has welcomed the return of internationals Jacob Stockdale, James Hume and Stuart McCloskey for Friday's game against Queensland Reds (19:35 GMT).

The Ireland trio have all been named in the starting line-up with lock Alan O'Connor captaining the side and Conor McKee making his debut at scrum-half for the friendly in Belfast.

While Ulster line up with a mix of experience and young prospects, Murphy is looking forward to facing a Reds side packed with international pedigree.

"They scored 82 points last weekend. We'll try and make sure that they don't score 82 points this weekend and hopefully the game lives up to its billing," Murphy told BBC Sport NI.

"The lads are looking forward to it, looking forward to getting back on the field and try to fix a few of the things that weren't quite right against Zebre."

Murphy has made 11 changes to his team that lost to the Italians last time out with Tom Stewart, Lorcan McLoughlin and David McCann the only surviving forwards.

In the back line, Aidan Morgan starts at fly-half with Jake Flannery coming in at full-back.

"It's one of these games where you get an opportunity to try a few things, so in that regard, we're really looking forward to it," Murphy added.

"The three boys coming back in is a massive thing and it's great the way we have this game in order to give them some experience before we get back into the league.

"The likes of Conor McKee hasn't played with us before so he'll get an opportunity to play this week. Matty Dalton's coming back from a long time away from the province, has shown up really well in training, so we're really excited to see those guys go."