Ireland team manager Michael Kearney has confirmed that Luke Fitzgerald may be available for their second match in the Six Nations.
Fitzgerald was omitted from Declan Kidney's 32-man squad named ahead of Sunday's opener against Wales, as he recovers from a neck injury.
But Kearney revealed that the 24-year-old utility back could return to the side for the clash with France in Paris on February 11.
"Luke has a neck injury - an issue with a disk - and has been out longer than initially anticipated," he said.
"He's improving and we're hopeful that he'll be available for selection within the next week or two but there's no definitive timeline on his recovery. It's a case of monitoring it and seeing how it progresses.
"He's back doing light training with Leinster and our information is that he won't need an operation," added Kearney.
Comments
DaveJ says...
He can be as fit as he wants but Mr Potato Head wont pick him. Shame as he is really finding form for Leinster again. Sure who needs fitz when you have an amazing "utility back' back Paddy Wallace. Groan.
Posted 23:28 31st January 2012