The inspirational British & Irish Lions captain missed Friday’s 16-15 home defeat against Leinster, which left Munster trailing their great rival by seven points in the Magners League.

But O’Connell is primed to lead Munster in to battle against the Guinness Premiership outfit on Saturday despite a slower than hoped for recovery from the groin injury sustained against Scotland in this year's final RBS 6 Nations game.

Fellow Ireland international Keith Earls joins the lock in the Munster squad, after also missing the Leinster clash.

O’Connell said: “It's been a bit slower than I had hoped. I didn't even know I had an injury after the Scotland game it was just on Monday on Tuesday I felt a small bit stiff.

“It doesn't restrict me from doing anything. It's not like I have to lie down or anything like that. Hopefully by Thursday, with another 48 hours, it should be OK.

“Northampton are a very good team. They really play for each other and they have an excellent pack and they have guys who have some magic out the backline. They are as tough a team as we have played here.”