Six Nations: Ireland 'hopeful' Hugo Keenan can be fit to face Wales after knee injury - 'He's progressing'

Forwards coach Paul O'Connell says Ireland are "hopeful" that Hugo Keenan will be fit to face Wales in their Six Nations clash later this month.

The full-back limped out of Saturday's 36-0 hammering of Italy with a knee injury.

The 27-year-old subsequently missed training with his team-mates on Thursday, but is believed to be responding well to treatment as he targets the game in Dublin on February 24.

"He's progressing with his rehabilitation," O'Connell said. "He was there at training today. He took part in all the organisational bits but I have no full update.

"He's still available for selection for Wales but I'm not sure what will happen in the next few days.

"I'm not sure where he's at but he was around training so we'd be hopeful."

Keegan has featured in 33 of Ireland's last 36 internationals, becoming a crucial player for Andy Farrell's side.

He was part of the squad that won the Six Nations Grand Slam last year, and victories in their opening two fixtures at the 2024 edition of the tournament mean they have mounted a strong defence to their crown thus far.

They could also be boosted by the return to fitness of captain Peter O'Mahony, who missed the Italy fixture at the weekend due to a calf injury.

The 34-year-old returned to training this week, as did Garry Ringrose, Tadhg Furlong and centre Bundee Aki.

O'Connell added that Keenan would leave big shoes to fill if he does not recover in time to face the Welsh.

"He plays a big role," O'Connell continued. "Obviously he was injury-free for a long time.

"He's an excellent player and there's so much in full-back in covering the back-field defensively and he has a lot of work to do in attack as well.

"He also plays a big leadership role for us. He's a very smart guy and a problem-solver within the group. He's highly regarded.

"Whether he is there or not he will continue to play that role. It is maybe good for us in some ways because it makes us play there if he doesn't make it."

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