O’Connell doubtful for Wales clash
The centre was withdrawn late in Paris on Saturday because of a tight hamstring.
However, inspirational second row Paul O'Connell is doubtful for the Wales game because of a shoulder injury.
"He will undergo a scan Monday to ascertain how serious it is," said coach Eddie O'Sullivan. "We do not know the extent of it but at the moment I would say he is a doubt for the Wales match.
"Brian will be fit for the Wales clash he had a tight hamstring and was exhausted so we took the precaution of taking him off."
O'Connell reported severe bruising and soreness yesterday and wore a sling more as a precautionary measure than anything else.
The Wales clash now assumes huge significance for O'Sullivan and a number of his players amid a growing clamour for change.
After their shock victory over a French side that has failed to live up to its star billing, the Scots had their limitation exposed by injury-stricken Wales in Cardiff yesterday.
However, Ireland will beat the Welsh only if O'Sullivan and his staff can somehow eradicate the appalling errors that destroyed Ireland's chance of a rare Paris win.
A key issue will be whether O'Sullivan opts to ring the changes in the hope of infusing the side with a bit of spirit and freshness.
There has been a lack of passion since Cardiff at the end of last season and in all five matches this campaign. O'Sullivan must surely look at the left wing, second-row and the formation of the back-row at the very least.
The team are now back in camp at their Killiney base. They will be allowed home until Sunday next and the team to face Wales will be announced tomorrow week. O'Sullivan certainly has much food for thought in the interim.
Stomach bug victim Marcus Horan will return to the squad, as will Ulster second row Matt McCullough, who played for Ireland A against France A on Friday night.
The capain in Limoges, Mick O'Driscoll, returns with his provincial colleagues Anthony Foley and Barry Murphy.
Ulster's Neil Best and Leinster backs Denis Hickie and Girvan Dempsey are also back.
Neither Robert Kearney (back strain) nor John Kelly (groin) were considered due to injury.
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