Joe Schmidt insists he has no worries about the fitness of Johnny Sexton, ahead of the start of the Six Nations.
Leinster confirmed earlier this week that he hadn't suffered a concussion, despite coming off early in their Champions Cup defeat to Wasps last Saturday.
There had been worries that he'd be a doubt for the Six Nations opener against Wales on Sunday week.
But Schmidt expects him to be available:
Sexton's availability would be a huge boost to Schmidt, who is going for a third Six Nations title in a row.
He will be without the retired Paul O’Connell and the injured trio of Peter O'Mahony, Marty Moore and Tommy Bowe.
Cian Healy and Mike Ross will also miss the start of the tournament, as they recover from injuries.
There are several youngsters in the Ireland squad, with the likes of Leinster’s Josh van der Flier and Tadhg Furlong, Ulster’s Stuart McCloskey and Connacht’s Ultan Dillane in the squad.
Despite the injury problems, new skipper Rory Best feels the squad has the right blend of youth and experience in the side:
