| venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin date: Sunday February 11th kick off: 15:00 GMT |
| coverage: Listen on BBC Sounds, BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra and BBC Radio Ulster. Live text updates, reports, reactions and highlights on the BBC Sport website and app. |
Ireland assistant coach Mike Catt says he expects Garry Ringrose to be available for Sunday's Six Nations match against Italy in Dublin.
Ringrose injured his shoulder while playing for Leinster on 20 January and missed the victory over France in Marseille.
The 29-year-old did not train on Wednesday.
But Catt said the center was “progressing well” and should be able to play against the Italians.
“Ringer (Ringrose), he's progressing well,” Ireland attack coach Catt said.
“Obviously he didn't train today so he's progressing well. We'll see how they develop over the next few days.”
Catt added that winger Calvin Nash, who scored his first international try in the bonus-point win over France, and full-back Hugo Keenan were also among those with “bruises”.
“We're pretty confident that everyone will be fit for full training tomorrow and obviously available for selection on Friday,” Catt added.
“He has some bruises, but he's okay.”
Head coach Andy Farrell will name the Ireland squad to face Italy on Friday as the reigning Grand Slam champions aim to extend their Six Nations winning record to 10 matches.
Catt said the Azzurri had been “very impressive” during their run, although Ireland have often used their rotation at home against Italy in past years. England lost to Roma 27-24 last week.
“They didn't have a great World Cup experience, but to see them give it their all as a group of players and perform like that against a well-performing England team was very impressive.
“They are obviously trying to impress the new manager.” [Gonzalo Quesada] In the same way. Watching them play, I realized that their DNA has not disappeared. When they got going they caused England serious problems and scored some very good tries.
“It's a team that really works hard for each other. The amount of work they do off the ball, especially on the defensive side, is very high, and you can see that. We need to do it right.”
