LONDON Irish have bolstered their fly-half options with the signing of Ian Keatley from Munster until the end of the season.

The 31-year-old stand-off – who became the third player to score more than 1,000 points in the Pro 14 competition – will provide cover for Exiles with Stephen Myler and Theo Brophy Clews both injured, and Tommy Bell recovering from long-term injury.

Youngster Jacob Atkins stepped into the role during Irish's determined 27-3 Greene King IPA Championship victory at home to Jersey Reds on Sunday, and while Kidney was positive about his performance, he admitted there is a need for further options.

He commented: "Jacob went really well and the bits he's picked up during the season allowed him to go really strongly.

"He was a great contributor to the team performance and varied his game quite well. Hopefully he'll get more game time."

On Keatley's addition, he added: "“With Theo injured and Stephen having picked up a knock in training last week, we felt that we needed more depth, and Ian is a good person to bring in.

“We have some crucial matches coming up and Ian’s experience will be important to help us achieve our ambitions.”

Meanwhile, Exiles' win against Jersey – the only team to have beaten them in the league this season – kept them nine points clear of Ealing Trailfinders at the top of the table, but Kidney says there is still plenty of work to do as they seek an immediate return to the top flight.

He said: "We've only played 13 matches so we have nine more to go. Each one is going to be like a cup final and it has been since the start of the season.

"Momentum is a big thing and we've got some ticking along, but each game presents it's own challenges."

London Irish are at home to Coventry in the quarter-finals of the RFU Championship Cup on Sunday (3pm).