AIB League champions Shannon have been given a boost with the return of Ireland internationals Alan Quinlan and Marcus Horan for their Division One clash with Blackrock this Saturday.

Flanker Quinlan and prop Horan appeared in Ireland's opening Six Nations victories over Scotland and Italy but were used as replacements and the Irish management has released them for club duty to keep them match fit.

They could be withdrawn, though, if the Irish training camp this week springs up any further injuries and the Munster pair could be put back under wraps.

The uncertainty surrounding player availability means Shannon will not name their team until at least Friday evening.

With four league defeats already this season, Shannon's trip to Dublin has a make-or-break element to it.

They are in seventh spot in the table, only four points short of a top four place, and a win at Stradbrook would see them edge above their opponents.