Sexton expected to be fit for England clash

Ireland fly-half Johnny Sexton is set to be being fit to face England in the Six Nations opener in Dublin.

The Leinster star returned to training on Tuesday following a period on the sidelines with a knee tendon issue.

Head coach Joe Schmidt insisted that all was boding well for the 33-year-old to start the Six Nations opener on February 2 at the Aviva Stadium.

Schmidt said of Sexton’s fitness: “He will train fully on Thursday, and we will then ramp up his training.

“Our expectation is that he will get through it without any problems. Johnny is confident and the medical staff are confident.”

 Schmidt was quick to mellow expectations on the reigning champions.

“I don’t think we are clear favourites,” he added.

“The psyche is one of enormous respect. You know if you don’t get things right, England can get a long way away from you.

“They are a team back on an upwards swing, and they will be driven to rebound well from last year’s Six Nations.”