Six Nations: Irish quartet in line to return against France this weekend
Monday 9 February 2015 21:32, UK
Ireland could have four players back for Saturday's Six Nations match against France in Dublin.
Sean O'Brien is close to a return after a hamstring injury in the warm-up against Italy at the weekend ruled him out of his first Test appearance in over a year.
And he could be joined in Joe Schmit's squad by Jonathan Sexton, Jamie Heaslip, Rory Best and Cian Healy who are all closing in on full fitness.
O'Brien was a late withdrawal from the starting XV in Rome, but an MRI scan on Sunday showed he had suffered no more than a minor hamstring strain ahead of Ireland's 26-3 victory.
Team manager Mick Kearney said: "Sean is feeling good and we are hopeful that he will train with the squad on Tuesday.
"If he comes through that, he will be available for selection. Whether that will happen or not, we will have to wait and see.
"Jonny Sexton is cleared to train fully (after his 12-week absence due to concussion) and is available for selection.
"Cian Healy trained fully last week, including some scrummaging which he came through very well and he is available for selection."
Sexton could replace Ian Keatley at fly-half at the Aviva Stadium while No 8 Heaslip is in line to start following a shoulder injury.
And Healy is available after surgery on a torn hamstring while hooker Best could be available after recovering from concussion.
