Ireland Playmaker Put On Stand-By For Johnny Sexton Ahead Of Scotland Game
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Munster playmaker Ian Keatley is on stand-by with the Ireland squad should Johnny Sexton not be passed fit to play this weekend.
Sexton returns to full-training today, but with Paddy Jackson the only other outhalf in the squad, Keatley has been retained within the camp as Schmidt prepares his side for their Six Nations opening round clash.
Keatley has been training with the squad all week, but not formally added to the party for the opening two games. His presence was not announced by manager Paul Dean yesterday, but Munster’s defence coach Jacques Nienaber confirmed his presence at Carton House.
Keatley has not played for Ireland since he started against Italy in the Six Nations opener two seasons ago.
Munster play Edinburgh in Scotland the night before Ireland’s opener, so it’s likely Keatley will be retained until the very last minute.
