Irish hopeful over Doris and Keenan
Ireland back-rower Caelan Doris is expected to be fully fit to face Wales in the Guinness Six Nations, despite sitting out training yesterday.
The 25-year-old suffered "bumps and bruises" while captaining his country to a 36-0 win over Italy in round two of the championship.
Full-back Hugo Keenan is yet to train after being forced off by a knee injury against the Azzurri on February 11 but will be given the chance to prove his fitness ahead of Saturday's match in Dublin.
"Caelan didn't train and that was the plan at the beginning of the week, just to manage him," defence coach Simon Easterby told a press conference.
"But we're expecting him to train fully tomorrow, so there should be no issue with Caelan.
"He is probably carrying a few [knocks], but more bumps and bruises.
“I guess he took a few hits against Italy and he's in a good place but he needs to be managed in a couple of areas. We don't expect him not to be fully fit for the weekend."
Keenan has been almost ever-present in Ireland's No 15 jersey during the past three years.
Asked for an update on the 27-year-old, Easterby said: "He's good, and I think again, it's sort of similar to Caelan.
"Hugo has been such a massive part of this group since he first made his debut a few years ago, so it's important that we give him the opportunity to prove his fitness.
"But we are really excited as well about the opportunities that might present if he doesn't make it."
Ireland head coach Andy Farrell is due to name his team tomorrow afternoon.