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Ulster hooker Rory Best hopes to make his return from a neck injury in the Heineken Cup clash against Northampton at Franklin's Gardens on 7 December.

The Ireland forward has been sidelined since suffering ligament damage in last month's Pro12 win over the Dragons.

"The injury is coming on well - it just needs time and rest and hopefully I'll be playing in two weeks," said Best.

Ulster top Pool 4 by three points from the Saints and the sides will meet again at Ravenhill on 15 December.

The Irish province reached last season's Heineken Cup final and have made a superb start to the current campaign.

Mark Anscombe's team have won all 11 of their competitive fixtures. nine in the Pro12 and two in the Heineken Cup.

Northampton sit fourth in the English Premiership but just two points behind pacesetters Harlequins.