Six Nations 2015: Ireland face prop selection dilemma

Leinster props Jack McGrath and Cian Healy are vying for the number one shirt

Ireland face a loosehead prop selection dilemma for their Six Nations game with England as fit-again Cian Healy challenges Jack McGrath for his place.

Healy was released to play for Leinster at the weekend after coming off the bench for Ireland's win over France.

The British and Irish Lions front-rower is back in action after more than three months of hamstring trouble.

"We are in a great position with two quality players we can call upon," said Ireland forwards coach Simon Easterby.

"We're lucky really that we've got Cian coming back to full fitness and up to speed on what we're doing," added the former Scarlets coach.

"He's been out of the game for three months, he's probably made a really quick recovery from that injury and he's come back in unbelievable shape.

"But we also have a player in Jack who has been phenomenal, and his numbers are high in everything that he does.

"It's a good position to be in, it's not every position that we have that - you've got Cian and also Jack, who has played a lot of rugby for us and done really well for a young man in a very attritional position."

Easterby admitted that the news that England full-back Mike Brown would miss the game was "a little bit of a blow" to their opponents as he is a "focal point" of their team.

"If both sides play to their potential there will be very little in it - there's little to choose between the teams," said Easterby.

"England have taken more chances than us in their first two matches, however, and that is something we have to rectify this weekend.

Ireland belt out their anthem before England's last visit to Dublin in 2013; England won 12-6

"You can't hide from the fact that there's something special about Ireland against England and the fact both teams are unbeaten so far means there's a little bit more riding on it," he added.

"It's always a fixture that's hyped up to the maximum and something that the players - but particularly the fans and the media get up for. Hopefully we won't let anyone down."