Ireland hoping for Jonny Sexton's availability for Six Nations opener

Ireland have received much needed boost ahead of the Six Nations 2017 tournament as fly-half Jonny Sexton is set to resume full training on Tuesday.

The 31-year-old suffered the blow during the 24-24 draw in the European Champions Cup encounter at Stade Pierre Antoine where he was replaced in the 21st minute.

Sexton was named in the Ireland squad for the first two rounds of the Six Nations tournament despite uncertainty over the extent of his injury but now he is in line to make a start in the tournament opener against Scotland provided he gets through the Tuesday session.

"Jonny's making good progress and he's back on track to train tomorrow," said Ireland team manager Paul Dean.

"I think everything is fine, he's being very positive about it.

"Hopefully he'll train properly (on Tuesday) and be fit and ready.

He's very positive as he always is."

Uncapped Munster wing Andrew Conway has already been ruled out of the Scotland encounter due to a groin problem but flanker Sean O'Brien has completed a successful rehabilitation from a calf injury.

Rob Kearney is hopeful of Sexton returning to action soon but in case he fails the 30-year-old is confident of Paddy Jackson delivering the goods at number 10.

"We're all so used to it now," said Kearney, of general battles for fitness.

"On a weekly basis, more often than not, there's someone going in or out.

"Someone picks up a niggle or they're not fully fit, so the coach doesn't risk them. The way Test rugby is now, it's par for the course.

"Paddy (Jackson) has been there all last week running the plays. He's more than equipped and he's got a week head-start."