Ireland scrum-half Conor Murray could be set for a sensational return to Joe Schmidt’s side for their clash with New Zealand on November 17th in Dublin.

Murray is yet to play this season due to a neck issue but according to Ireland assistant coach Simon Easterby, the Munster man has not been ruled out of a return against The All-Blacks in just under three weeks time.

It is understood that Murray has been training with a group of senior Ireland players under Joe Schmidt in recent days and Easterby outlined that despite Argentina being too soon the New Zealand clash may not be.

“No, he hasn’t been ruled out,” said Easterby.

“A little bit like some of the others, he’s been on a longer-term injury list but he’s in camp this week. He’s been in Carton House and we’ll probably assess him as we go through the series.”

“Yeah, I’d say more than likely [Argentina will be too soon] but without being there in Dublin now and knowing what he’s going through and what he’s reacting like, we’ll obviously make that call and we’ll get some information on him and his status probably later in the week with a view to preparing for next week.”

The return of Murray would be a massive boost for Ireland as they look to repeat their heroics from Chicago in 2016, in Dublin on November 17th.

Speaking last weekend New Zealand coach Steve Hansen was sceptical of Murray’s apparent absence from the upcoming game and could indeed be proven correct as this news gives him and the All-Blacks coaching staff plenty of food for thought.

“Is Conor really going to be out or is it an Irish trick? Or is it the truth?” said Hansen.

The Irish squad are currently in Chicago preparing for their game with Italy with some of the peripheral squad expected to get a chance to impress Schmidt ahead of the tougher tests against Argentina and New Zealand.