Johnny Sexton hoping to be fit for Six Nations opener against Wales

Ireland captain Johnny Sexton said he is hoping to be fit in time for the Six Nations opening game against Wales to be played on 7th February.

Sexton was forced to leave the field in the 54th minute during Leinster's recently concluded Pro14 game against Munster on what looked a recurrence of hamstring injury.

Despite the setback, the 35-year-old was named in the Ireland squad for the competition and is expected to resume training later this week.

"Any time you get a little niggle like that it's very frustrating because I trained hard to make sure that didn't happen and it did at the time I didn't want it to happen, which is somewhat typical," said Sexton.

"It's not major and hopefully I will be back training by the end of the week and hopefully be fit for the Wales game.

"It can be frustrating when you pick up these things but it is a tough game to get through now.

"I was in a good place before the Munster game, so I won't let it get me down too much and just get back on the horse and hopefully I will be firing next week."

Following the game against Wales, Andy Farrell's men will take on France in the second round on 14th February.