Jackman: Ringrose and Henshaw the centres for Scotland

Bernard Jackman says he would have no concerns about Robbie Henshaw's match fitness, and the Leinster man would be his preferred partner for Garry Ringrose in the centre against Scotland.

Henshaw and Ringrose both missed Ireland's Round 3 Guinness Six Nations win against Italy last week through injury, with Ringrose picking up a calf issue last week, while successive hamstring and wrist issues have seen Henshaw sidelined since November.

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell is hopeful both players will be fit and available for selection for the trip to Murrayfield on 12 March, with Ireland still on course for a Grand Slam success.

Ulster's Stuart McCloskey filled the 12 shirt in Henshaw's absence during November, while he was joined in the centre by Bundee Aki for the recent win in Rome.

However, while the pair looked good in attack, Ireland's midfield was exposed defensively by the Italians.

If fit, Ringrose is almost certain to start at outside centre against Scotland, while Henshsaw, Aki and McCloskey will be vying to play inside him.

And Jackman says he would like to see Henshaw get the nod.

"I'll go back to Robbie [Henshaw] and Garry [Ringrose]," he told the RTÉ Rugby podcast.

"This is a massive threat for us, Scotland. I was really impressed with Tuipulotu and Huw Jones' relationship again, Finn Russell asks a lot of questions of any centre partnership in terms of how flat and late he plays to the line."