James O’Connor will finally make his Queensland Reds debut after being named to start in Friday’s Super Rugby clash with the Highlanders in Dunedin.

The former Wallaby was set to play the Western Force last weekend but withdrew after an ongoing knee injury flared up during the pre-match warm-ups.

But O’Connor has been cleared fit to make his long-awaited Super Rugby return, and he will replace utility Nick Frisby at five-eighth.

“It has been a while coming but he has done everything for a number of weeks at training and is well prepared,” Reds coach Richard Graham said.

The Reds have received a further boost with the return of Anthony Fainga’a from a serious cork he suffered in their pre-season clash against the Crusaders, joining Samu Kerevi in the centres.

A nasty hand injury has forced James Horwill out of the travelling squad, with Dave McDuling to make his first start for Queensland at lock, while Lachie Turner retains the No.15 jersey.

Graham said the team’s focus has been sharp at training this week in the wake of the stirring win over the Force, which came on the back of Karmichael Hunt’s shocking cocaine allegations and amidst a week of wild weather in Brisbane that nearly saw the game postponed.

“Whilst last week’s win was hugely important, this week is a new challenge and we have been heavily focused on ensuring we get the mindset right,” Graham said.

“A short turnaround has meant an even sharper focus and need to get things spot on.

“With a number of players returning from injury now it presents options and competition for places. That will drive the group to higher levels.”

Graham said he hoped former Highlanders favourite Adam Thomson would get a warm welcome back home.

“I can’t help but think Adam will get a wonderful reception wearing a red jersey. Maybe `The Zoo’ will be cheering for us a wee little bit this weekend. That’d be pretty cool wouldnt it?” Graham joked.

Queensland Reds: James Slipper (capt), Saia Fainga’a, Sam Talakai, Dave McDuling, Marco Kotze, Adam Thomson, Liam Gill, Jake Schatz, Will Genia, James O’Connor, Chris Feauai-Sautia, Anthony Fainga’a, Samu Kerevi, Chris Kuridrani, Lachie Turner. Res: James Hanson, Ben Daley, Sef Faagase, Tom Murday, Curtis Browning, Nick Frisby, Sam Johnson, Campbell Magnay.