Steve Diamond has praised Danny Cipriani's performance in Sale Sharks' narrow defeat to Munster in their first match in the European Rugby Champions Cup.

The fly-half made all four penalty attempts that fell his way and converted two tries, but a late drop goal from Ian Keatley condemned the Aviva Premiership side to a 27-26 defeat on Saturday.

The team's director of rugby told BBC Sport: "Cipriani was outstanding today, his goal kicking was impeccable and his decision making was fantastic, let's hope the England selectors pick him.

"We need to be putting in performances like that week in, week out, and sides won't want to come here."

"To get into the competition was a must for a lot of the players who joined us last year. To compete at the highest level against sides like Munster is a privilege."

Sale had led 23-7 at half time before Munster's second-half comeback.