GLOUCESTER skipper Gareth Delve was yesterday named in the Wales starting line-up for the Six Nations clash with Ireland at Croke Park on Saturday.

The number eight's selection means he will not be available for the Cherry and Whites in the crucial LV= Cup semi-final against Cardiff a day later.

But England pair Mike Tindall and Olly Morgan are expected to play for their club.

No sooner had Tindall and Morgan been called-up into Martin Johnson's squad were they not selected in the 22 for the trip to Murrayfield to play Scotland on Saturday.

Delve, who last played for Wales against South Africa in 2008, returns from international exile in place of the injured skipper Ryan Jones.

He is the only non Wales-based player in the starting line-up, and head coach Warren Gatland called on him to take the opportunity he has been given.

"This is a great opportunity for Gareth Delve, who we have been keeping a close eye on and who is also a leader," Gatland said.

"We feel we have a loose forward trio here who can be competitive."

Delve's surprise call into the squad came on Monday following Andy Powell's suspension for an incident involving a golf buggy, plus other injuries in the squad.

His inclusion leaves Gloucester seriously short at number eight for the trip to Cardiff, where they will look to avenge four straight defeats to the Blues, including last year's Anglo/Welsh Cup final.

Luke Narraway is also injured, leaving Gloucester with Peter Buxton, Akapusi Qera, Andy Hazell, Jake Boer and Apo Satala as their only fit back row forwards, none of them number eights. Lock Adam Eustace has played in the position this season and so could cover.

Tindall and Morgan were called-up to the England squad on Monday as cover because of injuries to Dan Hipkiss and Delon Armitage.

But neither were named by Johnson, meaning they are likely to return to play for Gloucester although they must be released by England first.