Fit-again Johnny Sexton focused on forcing way into Ireland team for Six Nations

Ireland captain Johnny Sexton is raring to go for the Guinness Six Nations after overcoming injury and a bout of coronavirus.

The influential fly-half suffered knee and ankle damage during his country’s statement win over New Zealand in the autumn and was then struck down by a Covid-19 infection.

Sexton starred on his first start since the All Blacks triumph, helping Leinster beat Bath 64-7 in the Heineken Champions Cup on Saturday after coming off the bench in his province’s 89-7 win over Montpellier the previous weekend.

“I had a frustrating couple of months, post the New Zealand game,” said the 36-year-old.

“But thankfully over the last few weeks I was able to step up in training and get back on the field unscathed.

“I was back from the knee injury ready to go and then obviously picked it (Covid) up and was sick for a week or so with it.

“Then obviously it takes a little bit of time to get back fully fit, and then a couple of games were cancelled.

“The first game back was a European game so I blew the lungs out on that, it was a shock to the system but I felt much better last week and hopefully now we’ll train hard this week and it will be another good step in my preparation.

“I know I need to train well to earn my place in the team and my focus is getting as fit and ready as possible to challenge for that spot.”

Ireland begin the Six Nations at home to defending champions Wales on February 5.

With Andy Farrell’s squad preparing for a pre-tournament training camp in Portugal, Ulster captain Iain Henderson is the only major injury doubt.

The 29-year-old has not played since sustaining an ankle issue playing for his province on December 17 but could yet be fit to face the Welsh.

“To sum it all up, we expect everyone bar