Ian Madigan believes he witnessed Leinster’s midfield future in Edinburgh

If they are halfway as good as the old pairing, Leinster could be in clover.

Fifth in the league, head coach sacked and another stalwart [Shane Jennings] out the gate this summer. Leinster fans could do with a sliver of optimism to cling onto. Ian Madigan, who will resume his duel with Johnny Sexton for Leinster's No.10 jersey next season, believes he has glimpsed the future. While Madigan, at inside centre, and Ben Te'o were Matt O'Connor's go-to midfield, Noel Reid and Collie O'Shea got their chance in the final Guinness PRO12 game of the season. Hardly in their first flushes as men, Reid [25] and O'Shea [24] started together for the first time and looked dangerous in the 36-23 win over Edinburgh. Madigan told us, 'It was great to have Collie O'Shea back playing. He's a player who has real class. He has had an injury-ridden few seasons but he is getting back to full form. He's a player that will really step up for Leinster next year. Himself and Noel will be a real nice combination, going forward into next season. 'It was an absolute pleasure playing with Noel. He is one of those guys that just talks his way through games. He has played out-half before, a good footballer with a lovely pass. 'I thought he gave the team great width at the weekend. I know it was the last game of the season for Leinster but it was still an important game for Leinster, to get some momentum heading into next season.' As for Sexton's return, Madigan has signalled that he will be up for the challenge of starting at 10 for the new Leinster coach. 'I enjoyed getting back into that 10 shirt,' he says. 'It is my favourite place to play. You get so many involvements playing at out-half. You are in the game for the full 80 minutes.' He added, 'I'd love to be playing in the semi-final this weekend. Leinster definitely fell short of our standards this year. To not make the top four is unacceptable really. 'We've looked back on our whole season and there were positives as well. To be within a hair's breadth of the Champions Cup final is definitely a positive and something we can take confidence from, into next season.'