O’Connell in line for captain’s call

Whisper it, but all the pieces appear to be falling into place for Paul O’Connell to be named the new Ireland captain later this week with the Munster lock expected to return to full training at Carton House today.

The 34-year-old hasn’t played since Munster’s defeat of Gloucester in the Heineken Cup on October 19 because of a calf injury and Ireland team manager Mick Kearney admitted yesterday he had been a “genuine concern” last week.

However, it now appears that he will be available for selection for this Saturday’s opening Guinness Series fixture, against Samoa, at the Aviva Stadium when he will be expected to make his first appearance in a green jersey in 19 months.