Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Heaslip in line to face French

Ireland number eight Jamie Heaslip is on course to make his comeback in Sunday's RBS 6 Nations clash with France.

Heaslip and winger Andrew Trimble came through training this afternoon without suffering any adverse reaction to their respective ankle and hand injuries.

However, flanker Stephen Ferris has been ruled out of the showdown at the Aviva Stadium after losing his battle with a knee injury.

Ireland will name their team tomorrow as originally scheduled having considered delaying the announcement until Friday to give the trio further time to recover.

Manager Paul McNaughton said: 'We felt earlier today we weren't in a position to name the team as there was too much doubt on the fitness of several players.

'But following training this afternoon, Andrew Trimble and Jamie Heaslip came through the session okay.


'We felt there was no need to actually hold off on selection, so we will go ahead as planned tomorrow. We were also able to confirm that Stephen Ferris is still not ready for a return to play and has been ruled out of the France game.'

Should he avoid a setback later in the week, Heaslip looks set to displace Sean O'Brien from the number eight jersey.

The 27-year-old Leinster back row, who is viewed as Brian O'Driscoll's successor as captain, was Ireland's standout performer last autumn and his return will be welcomed.

Leinster winger Fergus McFadden is likely to make way for Trimble, who was in fine form until he broke a bone in his right hand last month.

McFadden made his Test debut in Saturday's dramatic 13-11 victory over Italy in Rome.

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