Ireland receive Johnny Sexton boost ahead of Australia clash

Ireland have received a much needed boost ahead of their upcoming autumn international clash against Australia with skipper Johnny Sexton declared fit.

Sexton has been sidelined since suffering a dead leg during the encounter against South Africa on 5th November and also missed his side's clash against Fiji last weekend.

The absence of Sexton saw Joey Carbery starting at number 10 against Fiji but now the latter is ruled out of the encounter after sustaining a head injury with Ciaran Frawley also joining him on the sidelines after undergoing a knee surgery.

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has called up Ross Byrne into the squad as cover with Munster's Jack Crowley also another option for fly-half.

“Yeah good. I trained today and ready to go," he told in a statement released.

“Last week was a bit of a struggle with swelling and fluid, and stuff like that.

"So, it was just managing that and then making sure I got the right amount of training in this week to be able to perform, but also not do too much that swelled it up again.

“No, it’s good to go and it feels good, so yeah, I’m ready.”

Sexton also lavished praise on England skipper Owen Farrell, who is set to win his 100th Test cap against New Zealand on Saturday.

“He’s been an amazing player for England over the years and how good he is, you can see it when he’s not there, when he was missing.

"He’s that glue that keeps the team together. I’ve played with him and been in a dressingroom with him where his leadership is outstanding.

“He goes into an even uniquer place – there’s not many English players who got to 100 caps, I think it’s only two before him, so it’s an amazing achievement for him.

"I’ll drop him a line at some stage and say congrats. A great ambassador for that team.”