Fergus McFadden says Johnny Sexton was a talisman for Ireland against Italy

Ireland's Fergus McFadden says he has been impressed by the way team-mate Johnny Sexton has dealt with some physical treatment in the Six Nations.

Fly-half Sexton, who has a history of suffering concussions, endured a bruising experience during the defeat in France last month, suffering neck and shoulder injuries.

And the stand-off was also the subject of a late hit in Dublin on Saturday as Ireland took on the Italians.

But the experienced British and Irish Lions performer remains undaunted, and played a key role as Ireland ran in a record nine tries, romping to a 58-15 victory.

And McFadden, who came off the bench and scored the final try, says teams are wasting their time if they think they can intimidate Sexton.

"Tens can get bashed around a lot in teams and, when it's such a pivotal position, guys are always going to target the number 10 jersey," said McFadden.

"Listen, Johnny's as tough as nails. They keep coming and he keeps getting up. He was a real talisman for us in that first-half against Italy.

"He doesn't shy away from it. In a way it plays to his strengths when guys run down his channel, because he's a very physical tackler and he gets a lot of turnovers himself.

"We need Johnny to be fully fit for us next week, so he can do a job on the Scots."

Defending champions Ireland began their campaign with a draw against Wales but then suffered defeats to France and England.

However, following the resounding win over Italy, they will now look to finish on a high at home to Scotland next Saturday.

And the future appears bright, young lock Ultan Dillane having again impressed off the bench against Italy.

His Connacht team mate, prop Finlay Bealham said: "I have been playing with Ultan since we were at Corinthians a number of years ago and he has been playing like that since I first started playing with him.

"Just to see him bring it through to Pro12 level and then international level is a credit to him and the work he has put in. He is a real good mate and I am just happy for him.

"He puts a lot of work in and he keeps striving to get better. It'll be good to see how far he can go."