Ireland confident Sexton will be fit for battle with Pumas

Jonathan Sexton is expected to be fit to start for Ireland in Saturday’s crucial test against Argentina, despite his training being limited after experiencing tightness of the groin during kicking drills.

The Leinster out-half didn’t even make the bench for last weekend’s game against Fiji, but a scan has revealed no serious damage. His training both yesterday and today has been curtailed and modified but he is planning to return to a full workout tomorrow.

“He will be fine,” explained team manager Michael Kearney. “It was just more prudent to take him out of the 23 than put him on the bench against Fiji. At a push he might have been able. He’ll take it easy for the minute, but we don’t have any major concerns about him.”

It wasn’t the only good news for Declan Kidney as he heads into a showdown that will decide Ireland’s seeding in the upcoming World Cup draw. After not training last week due to a dead leg in the quad area that was slow to respond to treatment, Tommy Bowe yesterday returned to running and will train fully today.

Meanwhile Eoin Reddan has fully recovered from a jarred ankle he picked up during the defeat to South Africa and Donnacha Ryan is also back to full health after an illness in recent days.

“There’s a few knocks and bruises and there’d be some small concern over some guys but we’d expect them to partake fully in training later in the week and be available for selection,” added Kearney.

Indeed the only negative news from the squad is John Muldoon is out for eight to 12 weeks after tearing medial knee ligaments at Thomond Park on Saturday. Rhys Ruddock takes his place in the squad in as of now, is the only addition.

“It’s a loss,” said assistant coach Mark Tainton of the Connacht back row. “It’s a shame for him, because he was playing really good rugby. But we are very happy after the Fiji game, and a number of guys have put their hands up for selection this week.

“We will have a couple of training sessions and review what we see before we name the side. So, there are a number of players that could be in with a shout against Argentina.”

Away from the Ireland set-up, there was good news emerging for Leinster, as Seán O’Brien trained for the first time this season and could play a part in Friday night’s game against Glasgow Warriors. The 2011 European Player of the Year has been absent since having corrective hip cartilage surgery in June.