Ireland "confident" of O'Brien return

Ireland team manager Mick Kearney has said that he is "confident" that Sean O'Brien will return to the team to face England on Saturday.

The flanker missed Ireland's 32-14 win over Scotland on the weekend with an infection in his foot.

"Sean was in hospital from Monday right through to the weekend and he's lost a couple of kilos, but he's in good form," Kearney said.

"If he's training today that is obviously a very good sign. The infection has cleared up so he's not on antibiotics.

"We're pretty sure that he'll be available for selection."

Injured duo Rory Best (ribs) and lock Donnacha Ryan (shoulder) are also likely to recover in time for the clash at Twickenham.