Rugby:Luke Fitzgerald has an outside chance of being available for the second round of Ireland's Six Nations campaign.

Fitzgerald was omitted from the 32-man squad named ahead of Sunday’s opener against Wales in Dublin as he continues his rehabilitation from a neck injury.

But Ireland team manager Michael Kearney today revealed that the 24-year-old Leinster winger could return in time to face France on Saturday week.

“Luke has a neck injury an issue with a disk and has been out longer than initially anticipated,” said Kearney.

“He’s improving and we’re hopeful that he’ll be available for selection within the next week or two. But there’s no definitive timeline on his recovery. It’s a case of monitoring it and seeing how it progresses.

“He’s back doing light training with Leinster and our information is that he won’t need an operation.”