Ireland's Caelan Doris making 'positive strides' with Tadhg Furlong still in running to face France

Ireland captain Caelan Doris is making "positive strides" as he continues his recovery from a knee injury, while Rónan Kelleher and Tadhg Furlong will be assessed during the week to determine if they will be fit to face France on Saturday (2.15pm, live on RTÉ).

The sides meet at Aviva Stadium in round four in what is being billed as a Guinness Six Nations championship decider.

Number 8 Doris suffered a knee injury against Scotland on 9 February, while hooker Kelleher picked up a neck injury in the same game.

Doris' replacement for the win over Wales in round three, Jack Conan, is expected to recover from a back injury that saw him replaced at the start of the second half in Cardiff.

Prop Furlong has been struggling with a calf / hamstring injury and has played just once, for Leinster in the Champions Cup in January, since mid-October.

Utility back Ciarán Frawley, who suffered a head injury in the Ireland A fixture against England A eight days ago, is on course to be available.

Max Deegan, Darragh Murray, Tommy O’Brien and Tom O’Toole have all been added to the squad after also featuring in that game.

"Ireland captain Caelan Doris continues to make positive strides and it is hoped that he will be available for selection alongside Jack Conan," said the IRFU.

"Tadhg Furlong will continue his rehabilitation this week with a decision on his availability, as well as Rónan Kelleher, will be made later in the week.

"Ciaran Frawley is on course to return following his recent concussion."

The Ireland team will be named at lunchtime on Thursday.

We need your consent to load this YouTube content We use YouTube to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and