Paul O'Connell pleased to welcome big guns back ahead of Scotland trip

Ireland are optimistic on Garry Ringrose, Stuart McCloskey and James Lowe for the crunch clash.

FAMILIAR FEELING: Forwards Coach Paul O'Connell at THursday's open training session. Picture: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo

With next Sunday week’s Six Nations Championship showdown against Scotland at Murrayfield Stadium fast coming into focus, Ireland forwards coach Paul O’Connell acknowledged it is a welcome sight to see Robbie Henshaw, Tadhg Furlong, Jamison Gibson-Park and Johnny Sexton all making a return to the training pitch.

Whereas last Saturday’s victory over Italy in Rome was the only game Sexton has missed thus far in the tournament, Henshaw, Furlong and Gibson-Park are yet to see action in this spring international window.