Paul O'Connell so key to Munster

The 33-year-old was plagued by injuries last season, including a persistent knee problem, but after returning to Heineken Cup action against Racing Metro 92 two weeks ago O'Connell starred in the Irish province's last-gasp bonus-point victory over Edinburgh Rugby at Thomond Park.

Now Munster head coach Rob Penney reckons the Ireland and British & Irish Lions lock is nearing a return to his best.

"We all know what he is capable of and it's just lovely to see him looking in really good shape and giving it for 60 minutes," said Penney.

"He had been terrific over the last two weeks and having a full week's worth preparation he's just gone up a level."

Penney admits O'Connell's prolonged period on the sidelines was frustrating but he hopes he will be rewarded in the coming weeks with both province and country.

Ireland kick-off their autumn campaign against South Africa on November 10, before taking on Argentina two week's later.

And the 2006 and 2008 champions' Heineken Cup campaign resumes in December with a mouth-watering double header against Saracens, which are likely to decide the winners of Pool One and automatic qualification for the knock-out stages.

"He was as frustrated as anybody with being injured and the patience shown was a really food lesson to us about letting a guy get on with what he needs to do and not trying to rush him back," added Penney.

"As he heads into the next few weeks hopefully he can stay on the park and be rewarded for his patience and diligence with some consistent rugby."