Forward thinking as Kidney ponders back-up for props

THE lack of cover for Marcus Horan and John Hayes in the front-row of the scrum and for Ronan O’Gara at out-half are among the chief concerns facing Ireland coach Declan Kidney as he announces his Six Nations Championship squad today.

Horan and Hayes are certainties to retain the two prop positions for the opening encounter against France at Croke Park on February 7 but it’s a lot more difficult to figure out who will provide the backup.

Tony Buckley was the man in favour for the November internationals but illness and injury have curtailed his activities since and he is badly in need of game time.