O'Connell could still face Wales

PAUL O'Connell is giving himself a 50-50 chance of being fit to take his place in the Irish second-row against Wales at Lansdowne Road next Sunday.

The damaged A/C joint in his left shoulder remains sore and bruised and it will be Wednesday at the earliest before a decision on O'Connell's fitness can be made. Coach Eddie O'Sullivan has hinted that he may actually include him in the starting line-up that day before making a final decision closer to kick-off.

"The recovery was excellent once the rehab began but it has slowed down a small bit so hopefully over the next two or three days it will improve more quickly again", said O'Connell yesterday.