While delighted by the character shown by his whole Ulster squad in their last-gasp 20-19 win over Glasgow Warriors on Saturday night, head coach Richie Murphy reserved “special mention” for try-scoring hero David Shanahan.

The northern province were four points behind the reigning URC champions when the clock turned red at Kingspan Stadium but the replacement scrum-half scored the crucial try after four minutes of additional time to ensure his side began their 2024-25 season on a winning note.

Shanahan, 31, made his Ulster debut in 2013 but has had to wait for opportunities, first behind Ruan Pienaar and Paul Marshall, and more recently John Cooney and Nathan Doak.

“He’s very much a team man,” said Murphy.

“He’s very professional, he works really hard. He sets standards all through the week. It’s no surprise when someone like that steps up and fills that hole towards the back end of the game.

“We’re delighted for him. It’s a big moment.”