Ireland v France, Six Nations, Dublin, February 13
Heaslip set for Ireland comeback
ESPNscrum Staff
February 8, 2011
James Heaslip is stopped in his tracks, Ireland v Samoa, Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland, November 13, 2010
Jamie Heaslip should return for Ireland © Getty Images
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Players/Officials: Jamie Heaslip | Andrew Trimble
Tournaments/Tours: Six Nations
Teams: Ireland

Ireland No.8 Jamie Heaslip is on course to make his comeback in Sunday's Six Nations clash with France at Lansdowne Road.

The Leinster back-rower and Ulster winger Andrew Trimble came through training on Tuesday afternoon without suffering any adverse reactions to their respective ankle and hand injuries.

The news is not all good for Declan Kidney however, with flanker Stephen Ferris ruled out of the showdown due to a troublesome knee injury.

Ireland will name their team on Wednesday as originally scheduled, having considered delaying the announcement until Friday to give the trio further time to recover.

"We felt earlier today we weren't in a position to name the team as there was too much doubt on the fitness of several players," team manager Paul McNaughton said. "But following training this afternoon, Andrew Trimble and Jamie Heaslip came through the session okay.

"We felt there was no need to actually hold off on selection, so we will go ahead as planned tomorrow. We were also able to confirm that Stephen Ferris is still not ready for a return to play and has been ruled out of the France game."

Heaslip will challenge Leinster team-mate Sean O'Brien for the No.8 jersey while Trimble should displace Fergus McFadden from his wing berth.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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