Fears over the fitness of Ulster and Ireland hooker Rory Best have receded after it was revealed his neck injury is only tissue damage.
Best had to be replaced in the second half of Ulster's 27-26 Magners League victory over the Ospreys on Friday night.
The 28-year-old had a disc removed from his neck early last season as he battled with a career-threatening injury.
But Ulster have allayed concerns that he may have aggravated the problem.
"Following investigation by his surgeon Ulster can confirm that, contrary to speculation, Rory has sustained no new injury or any further damage to his neck," the club said in a statement.
"The injury has been confirmed as soft tissue irritation. Rory will have ongoing treatment and assessment this week with a view to his availability for selection."
The news will come as a boost for Ulster, who made a terrific start to their Magners League campaign as they defeated defending champions Ospreys by a single point at Ravenhill.
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