Six Nations 2024: Ireland expect Caelan Doris to be fit for Wales game after missing training

Doris did not take part in training at Ireland's Dublin base on Tuesday

Ireland expect to have Caelan Doris available for Saturday's Six Nations game against Wales after the back row missed training on Tuesday.

Defence coach Simon Easterby says Doris, who captained Ireland for the first time in the win over Italy, needs to be "managed in a couple of areas".

Ireland are also not ruling out full-back Hugo Keenan, who has been nursing a knee injury.

Easterby said Ireland are giving Keenan the "opportunity to prove his fitness".

On Doris, Easterby said: "He didn't train and that was the plan at the beginning of the week, it was just to manage him.

"We expect him to train fully tomorrow, so there should be no issue with Caelan.

"He's probably carrying a few [knocks]. It's more bumps and bruises and he took a few hits against Italy. He's in a good place but he needs to be managed in a couple of areas.

"We don't expect him not to be fully fit for the weekend."

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Last week, forwards coach Paul O'Connell said Ireland were "hopeful" Keenan would be fit for the visit of Wales to Dublin after the 27-year-old was forced off against Italy.

Keenan has been an almost ever-present figure in Ireland's success over the past three years, starting 33 of the 36 Tests since the beginning of the 2021 Six Nations.

"He's good and he's sort of similar to Caelan," said Easterby.

"Hugo has been such a massive part of this group since he made his debut a few years ago. It's important we give him the opportunity to prove his fitness.

"We're really excited about the opportunities that may present if he doesn't make it. We're excited about what's to come in and the opportunities that other guys will get to step up."

Ireland would be 'excited' to see Frawley at full-back

Were Keenan to miss out, one of the options available to head coach Andy Farrell is drafting in Ciaran Frawley at full-back.

Both of Frawley's previous caps came off the bench but Easterby says the 26-year-old has the required attributes to step up if Keenan misses out.

"Frawls is really confident and he'll often cover more than one position - 15, 10, 12. When you get someone like that, they have to be really competent, and he is.

"He's got a real good way about him. He's quite unassuming but he's really confident and composed and has been thriving in that position.

"He's been on the radar for a while. Opportunities have maybe been a bit short for him with his position at Leinster being moved around a bit, but he's a player we'd be keen and excited about seeing at 15."

Centre Garry Ringrose is expected to feature after missing the first two games while Easterby said second row Iain Henderson is being assessed after injuring his foot while playing for Ulster at the weekend.

Farrell names his Ireland team to face Wales on Thursday afternoon. The Irish have already picked up bonus-point wins over France and Italy as they chase back-to-back Grand Slams.