Sexton must compete with Jackson for a place in XV - Denis McBride

Former Ireland international Denis McBride believes talismanic playmaker Johnny Sexton must fight with Paddy Jackson for his position in the starting line-up on his return from injury.

Sexton is currently recovering from a calf injury which he sustained while playing for Leinster and is in line to return for the upcoming Six Nations encounter against France this weekend according to team manager Paul Dean.

With Ian Madigan plying his trade in France for Bordeaux Begles, Ulster fly-half Jackson has impressed in the absence of Sexton and McBride believes there is no reason why the 25-year-old should be demoted to bench.

"It's a big question but Paddy is the guy in form," said McBride.

"Then you can have Sexton potentially off the bench.

"It depends on what condition he's in, whether you even could throw him straight in against France, but there's no reason not to pick Paddy.

"It's a good position for Schmidt to be in, having that confidence knowing you can pick either guy and the team won't be weakened.

"A couple of seasons ago, there was a risk if you didn't play Sexton."

McBride, who won 32 caps for Ireland between 1988 and 1997 singled out Jackson's decision making ability as his biggest strength.

"He's making the right calls at the right times," added the former Malone ace.

"Before there would have been one or two things that didn't go the way he would have wanted it to, but this year everything seems to be at the right time."

Earlier, Dean also confirmed that Rob Kearney and Conor Murray are also making good progress from their respectively injuries along with Sexton boosting Ireland's hope in the tournament.

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