Robinson confirms Bell recall

England coach Andy Robinson today confirmed Duncan Bell has been called up for squad training ahead of Sunday’s RBS 6 Nations showdown against Ireland.

Bell looks set to feature at Lansdowne Road after Phil Vickery broke his arm during Gloucester’s 17-16 Zurich Premiership victory over Bath at Kingsholm on Saturday.

With Leicester tighthead Julian White also in the treatment room, Bath prop Bell appears certain to resume an England career which started and ended on the ill-fated 1998 “tour from hell”.

Robinson has delayed his team announcement for the Ireland clash until lunchtime Wednesday as he assesses his options after England’s latest injury setbacks.

Bath centre Olly Barkley – who started against France – withdrew from Bath’s starting line-up for Gloucester after sustaining a calf injury on Friday.

He underwent a scan yesterday with a verdict on the extent of the damage expected today, while Henry Paul limped off against Bath with an ankle problem.

Paul was on the bench for the defeat by Grand Slam champions France and his absence would further reduce Robinson’s midfield options.