Ireland optimistic over O'Driscoll

Brian O’Driscoll is making encouraging progress in his battle with a hamstring injury, according to Ireland’s defence coach Les Kiss.

O’Driscoll is a doubt for the opening autumn international against South Africa on Saturday week after pulling his hamstring while on Heineken Cup duty for Leinster on October 9.

The Ireland skipper has played a limited part in training since, but Kiss today delivered an upbeat assessment of his rehabilitation.

“Brian’s working very hard and over the last two or three days has put in some good rehab work with the medical staff, who are doing a fantastic job,” he said.

“Talking to him today after the session he was very happy where he ended up.

“He has another rehab session tomorrow and then a couple of days rest when he will be doing a little bit of stuff. We will see how he goes after that.”

Munster back Keith Earls missed training today to continue receiving treatment on his ankle problem.