O’Sullivan optimistic over O’Connell

IRELAND coach Eddie O’Sullivan remains cautiously optimistic that Paul O’Connell will play some role in the Six Nations.

O’Connell has been dogged by a back injury since last year’s World Cup which has ruled him out of competitive rugby.

“I was talking to him (Tuesday) night and there was a concern about a week ago that he may need an operation on a disc problem which he has had before,” said O’Sullivan.