Trio in contention despite knocks

PAUL O’Connell, Ronan O’Gara and Andrew Trimble remain in contention for the France game despite sustaining injuries in Saturday’s win over Italy.

O’Connell was replaced after receiving a blow above the left eye and is expected to resume training this week. Trimble (tight hamstring) is a concern according to medical staff and he along with out half O’Gara (knock to the knee) will be monitored closely before Declan Kidney announces his squad for the trip to Paris on Tuesday.

However management insist that none of the players have been ruled out of selection.

Meanwhile, 11 additional players have been added to the match 22 on duty in Croke Park as the squad prepare for Saturday’s game. Both Stephen Ferris and Donncha O’Callaghan are among those additions as both continue their rehabilitation from respective leg and knee injuries.

IRELAND SQUAD (in addition to Italy match 22): T Buckley, G Duffy, S Ferris, C Henry, M Horan, D Hurley, S Jennings, J Murphy, D O’Callaghan, J Sexton, D Tuohy.