Six Nations: Ireland issue positive injury news on Sean O'Brien, Conor Murray and Eoin Reddan

Ireland have issued positive bulletins on injuries to Sean O'Brien, Conor Murray and Eoin Reddan ahead of their Six Nations opener in Italy.

Flanker O'Brien has not featured for Ireland since damaging his shoulder in the 24-22 autumn Test defeat to New Zealand in November 2013 but the 2011 ERC European Player of the Year is closing in on a return.

"Sean trained fully today (Tuesday), trained last week in Leinster and has taken part in all the sessions," said Irish Wolfhounds coach Richie Murphy.

"There is a possibility that he will be available this week.

"Both guys look like they'll be fit," said Murphy of Murray and Reddan's chances of facing Italy. "Eoin's knee injury is not as bad as first feared, in the last 24 hours he's seen a massive improvement.

"We are hoping that both of those guys will be ready for next week and if they're not it opens up an opportunity for Isaac Boss and Kieron Marmion to come in. Cian Healy is a little further behind Sean, but is doing pretty well."

On the progress of star fly-half Jonny Sexton, Murphy added: "He is very nearly ready to go. Obviously he picked up that injury in France so his club looked after that.

He is very nearly ready to go. Obviously he picked up that injury in France so his club looked after that.

"He's not taking contacts, he can't take contact until the three months is up and that would be the week of the French match.

"Until that time it looks like he is going to be out, but he trained today, did all the handling stuff, all the non-contact training and all the fitness work, so he's looking very fit and very fresh.

"You'd fancy that because he's been doing all the handling, all the kicking, all that kind of stuff, the contact stuff will fall into place that week."