Kidney rates O’Connell on ‘upper side of 50-50’ for Tour

Declan Kidney has backed Paul O’Connell to be fit for Ireland’s three match tour of New Zealand.

Vowing there would be no room for passengers on the gruelling assignment, the Irish coach feels O’Connell can overcome a serious knee injury and take his second row place against the world champions at Eden Park on June 9.

Kidney said: “I’d be thinking on the upper side of 50-50 (chances of making it), I’d be hopeful of him coming back but I didn’t want to name people carrying injuries. If Paul is fit to take part in the tour he’ll tour. If he’s not going to be fit then we’ve another line of candidates, but I’d be quite hopeful.”