Ronan O'Gara set for France return

Ireland fly-half Ronan O'Gara could make an immediate return for his country in their Six Nations encounter with France on Saturday.

The 35-year-old was omitted from the squad to face Les Bleus at the weekend, which looked likely to call time on his international career after a record 128 appearances.

However, coach Declan Kidney has no qualms about recalling O'Gara, with a Paddy Jackson hamstring injury potentially forcing Ian Madigan to start at fly-half.

"Absolutely not would I mind asking Ronan back, I'd be delighted. There was no fun whatsoever in leaving him out," Kidney said. "I'd only be too delighted. It wouldn't be an awkward conversation from my side, absolutely not.

"I'm sure he'd love to play for Ireland, he's always loved playing for Ireland and he'd continue to do that. Ronan will have been disappointed. You don't give the type of service that Ronan has given and not be disappointed. It's the role of the coach to make these calls and I felt Ian had been going well and deserved his chance.

"But it's unfair to put Ronan in that spotlight. Everybody is centrally contracted, so everyone is available to play for Ireland at any stage. We have 20 guys on standby. We'd call someone in when need be. Everyone is alerted."

Ireland were beaten 12-8 by Scotland in their last match of the competition.