FOUR YEARS AFTER being forced into retirement, former Leinster out-half Ian McKinley will start against the province for Zebre in Sunday’s Pro12 clash.

McKinley had to call time on his career in 2011 after a freak accident in a club game resulted in him losing the sight in his left eye.

But he has been able to return to the game with the aid of protective googles, which were only recently approved by the IRFU after a World Rugby trial.

The former Ireland U20 international returned to rugby with Italian third division side Leonorso last year, before signing professional terms with Viadana, one of the biggest sides in the Italian league.

After impressing domestically, the 26-year-old was signed as a permit player by Zebre and made his debut as a second-half substitute against Scarlets last October.

He will now make his full debut when Leinster visit Parma on Sunday in what promises to be a poignant occasion for the Dubliner.

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