Johnny Sexton told to prove his fitness for Wales game

Ireland fly-half Johnny Sexton must come through "modified training" to prove his fitness for Saturday’s crucial Six Nations clash with Wales.

Sexton has "hit all his markers so far" in battling hamstring trouble but is still fighting to recover in time for the Millennium Stadium contest, according to team manager Mick Kearney.

No 8 Jamie Heaslip was due to take contact training on Monday for the first time since fracturing three vertebrae in his back against France, and he is expected to face Wales as Ireland attempt to extend their winning streak to a record 11 games.

Johnny will have modified training in the early part of the week and if he comes through training through the latter part of the week, he will be available for selection.

"Johnny Sexton continues to improve following a mild hamstring strain," said Kearney. "As a precaution he will have modified training during the early part of the week with an expectation that he will train fully towards the end of the week.

"We are very happy where he is at, at the moment. He has hit all his markers so far.

"Johnny will have modified training in the early part of the week and if he comes through training through the latter part of the week, he will be available for selection.

"Jamie Heaslip is expected to train fully this week and barring any setback will be available for selection.

"Sean O'Brien and Jared Payne have both progressed well through the return to play protocol and will be re-introduced to full training during the week.

"Johnny will have modified training today. Jamie will train fully today."

Eager

Team manager Kearney admitted British and Irish Lions Sexton and Heaslip are both "extremely eager" to face Wales this weekend.

Sexton limped out of the latter stages of Ireland's 19-9 victory over England and has been battling to recover ever since. The 29-year-old has a history of hamstring problems, but Kearney does not expect that to colour his recovery.

"From what I remember the last time he had a problem was between the Australia game and New Zealand game, in the November series just over 12 months ago," said Kearney.

"He actually recovered pretty quickly then. He came off at half-time against Australia and was fit to play and played the whole game, or most of the game against New Zealand without any issue. That certainly wouldn't be a worry at the moment.

"Jamie (Heaslip) hasn't taken any contact yet. He will train fully today and provided there is no reaction he should be available for selection. They are extremely eager, absolutely: very eager to play."

Fit-again Ulster lock Dan Tuohy was drafted back into Ireland's wider 36-man training squad for the final two weeks of Six Nations action, but there was no place for veteran centre Gordon D’Arcy, although Kearney refused to accept that his absence could spark the end of his glittering 81-cap Test career.

"That is a selection issue, yes," said Kearney of D'Arcy's absence. "Gordon has been an unbelievable servant for Irish rugby.

"He's back fit, back playing for Leinster, so certainly I wouldn't rule him out for future consideration."