Peter O'Mahony: 'Munster can still reach knockout stage'

Munster captain Peter O'Mahony has insisted that his side will not give up on a place in the knockout stage after suffering another defeat in the European Champions Cup.

A 26-19 loss to Clermont Auvergne leaves Munster behind the French side and Saracens in Pool A, but O'Mahony believes that the bonus point collected thanks to Ian Keatley's penalty could prove to be crucial.

"We dug in and got a point and you cannot yet tell what is going to happen in terms of qualification," the 25-year-old told reporters.

"That point could prove crucial. Now we have got two huge games to look forward to in the new year against Saracens and Sale Sharks when we have to fight for our lives.

"We will always pride ourselves on our physicality and we have put ourselves in a position where we can still qualify."

Munster return to action in the competition against Saracens on the third weekend of January.