Simon Easterby eases Caelan Doris injury fears ahead of Wales clash

Simon Easterby has eased fears that Caelan Doris is an injury doubt for Ireland's Guinness Six Nations meeting with Wales on Saturday.

The Leinster number 8, who captained Ireland in the Round 2 win over Italy, sat out this morning's squad training session at the IRFU high performance centre in Dublin.

"Caelan didn't train and that was the plan at the beginning of the week, just to manage him," said Ireland defence coach Easterby.

"But we’re expecting him to train fully tomorrow, so there should be no issue with Caelan."

The Ireland defence coach said his absence is a result of wear and tear rather than any specific issue.

"He is probably carrying a few [injuries], but more bumps and bruises. I guess he took a few hits against Italy and he’s in a good place but he needs to be managed in a couple of areas," added Easterby, who expects him to be "fully fit for the weekend".

It looks increasingly likely that Hugo Keenan will miss Saturday's visit of the Welsh.

The full-back, who suffered a knee injury in the win over Italy, was present at training this morning but once again sat out the session.

"Hugo has been such a massive part of this group since he first made his debut a few years ago, so it’s important that we give him the opportunity to prove his fitness, but we are really excited as well about the opportunities that might present if he doesn’t make it.

"We feel really excited about what’s to come in and the opportunities that other guys will get to step up."

Ciarán Frawley (above) looks most likely to start at full-back in Keenan's absence, and Easterby says they would have full confidence throwing him in for a first Test start.

"Frawls is really confident and he will often cover more than one position - 15, 10, 12. Someone