Dempsey fitness ‘improving’ as Wales clash looms

GIRVAN DEMPSEY has described his recovery from his hip injury as “slow but good” and is keeping his fingers crossed that he will be ready in time for the next Six Nations match against Wales.

The O’Sullivan/Gatland factor may be the most intriguing subplot to that particular fixture on Saturday week but the Murphy/Dempsey debate is running it a close second after the Leicester player’s superb performance against Scotland.

The Ireland coach already intimated that Dempsey will resume at 15 if he is fit but the Leinster back gave a less than definite thumbs up to that prospect when quizzed on his progress yesterday.