Ireland lock Iain Henderson will return from injury in Ulster's Pro14 encounter with the Ospreys on Friday.

Henderson missed the defeat to England and victory over Scotland due to a finger injury, but will make his comeback ahead of schedule.

It was feared the second row could miss the entire tournament, so his return to fitness will be a big plus for Joe Schmidt following the loss of Devin Toner (ankle).

Henderson will be joined in the Ulster starting line-up by scrum-half John Cooney, who was released from international duty to take on the region.

Defending champions Ireland face Italy in Rome a week on Sunday following a rest weekend.