Leinster coach Leo Cullen has praised the work ethic of Joey Carbery and James Tracy following their call-ups to Joe Schmidt’s 34-man squad for the November internationals.

The duo were among the six uncapped players selected by Schmidt and Cullen believes the pair thoroughly deserve their inclusion.

“They have both worked incredibly hard on their game. Obviously, James has had an unusual route, coming through initially as a loosehead and obviously making that transition to hooker,” Cullen said. “It takes a huge amount of work, and he’s worked incredibly hard, so I’m delighted for him.

“Joey, he’s just coped really well with all the next stages, so he deserves his chance as well. It will be interesting to see how those guys go.”

Carbery starts this evening’s Guinness PRO12 clash with Connacht along with Cian Healy, Sean Cronin, and Sean O’Brien while Tracy is named on the bench. This is the first time the sides have met since the Grand Final at Murrayfield last May but Cullen insists revenge is not on his agenda.

“Focusing on the word you just said [vengeance], it’s a dangerous thing to focus on because does it distract you? We need to focus on the process of how to go and win the rugby match, so that’s what we’ve tried to focus on this week,” said Cullen.

With five tries in as many games, club captain Isa Nacewa will act as the focal point of a largely inexperienced Leinster defence from full-back. Adam Byrne and Barry Daly – making his first start for Leinster – join the Fijian international in the back-three, while Rory O’Loughlin will combine with the dependable Noel Reid in the Blues’ midfield.

Summer recruit Jamison Gibson-Park makes a return at scrum-half after three consecutive appearances from the bench, and his partnership with Carbery will be key to his side’s prospects.

The front-row of Healy, Cronin and Mike Ross is undoubtedly the strongest line of Leinster’s team for this game, but Mick Kearney will renew acquaintances with his former club alongside Ian Nagle in the second-row.

Sean O’Brien will make his second consecutive provincial start for the first time since November of last year – in a back-row that also features Dan Leavy and the fit-again Jack Conan. In addition to Tracy, Cullen can also call upon Irish squad members Josh van der Flier, Luke McGrath and Rob Kearney as reserve options for Leinster’s second interprovincial clash .