Hayes set to return against Namibia

JOHN HAYES is set for his first start since April, but there are niggling injury doubts surrounding Keith Wood, Anthony Foley and Gary Longwell as the Irish selectors select their starting 15 for Sunday’s World Cup game against Namibia.

Anthony Foley underwent a scan on his knee yesterday morning, which showed-up nothing more than a slight bruising around the cartilage; Keith Wood has been avoiding physical contact in training after a dead leg sustained against Romania, while Gary Longwell has taken longer than expected to recover from a slight calf strain.

However, coach Eddie O’Sullivan insisted all three players would be available for selection when the side is named this morning.