Six Nations: England's Mike Brown training again ahead of Ireland trip

Full-back Mike Brown has moved a step closer to a Six Nations return after finishing his first training session with England.

Brown was stretchered off in the first half of England's 47-17 win over Italy at Twickenham on February 14 and looked a long-shot to be involved in Sunday’s Six Nation’s match with Ireland in Dublin.

But England forwards coach Graham Rowntree confirmed the 29-year-old had passed his first fitness session and is now on track to rejoin contact training on Friday.

“It’s great news that he’s done that session today, he’s still in the mix,” Rowntree told Sky Sports News HQ. “We will follow it day by day but the signs are that he’s improving and he should complete the protocol in time and be available.

"As with every other concussion that's happened, we tick all of those relevant boxes. We've been diligent."

Locks Geoff Parling (knee ligament) and Courtney Laws (ankle), flanker Tom Wood (ankle) and prop Alex Corbisiero (calf) are also back in contention after returning to training.

“They’re all in the mix and we see how they train as we always do on a Tuesday afternoon session," Rowntree said.

“Particularly for Courtney Laws, he’s not played since December 20. I was there watching, so we have to wait and see whether they need a game for their clubs or whether we’re prepared to put them straight into a pretty hostile Test arena. We have to do what is right for the team."

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England will face an Ireland side that has recorded wins against Italy and France and Rowntree is wary of the momentum gathered by Joe Schmidt's side.

“Ireland especially are very well drilled, they’ve got some very clever players, so you’ve got to cover all bases in the working week.

“What these guys have shown us in Wales is that they are prepared to go up against guys more experienced than themselves, and put in a good performance. And that’s all we ask from them... go out and show us what you’ve got.”

England announce their team for the Aviva Stadium showdown on Friday morning.