Cian Healy has handed Ireland a big Rugby World Cup fitness boost by being declared fit to start their opener.
The loosehead prop has suffered from neck problems for the past four months, but he has now been given the green light to feature for his side.
Six Nations champions Ireland get their campaign underway on Saturday when taking on Canada at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.
"The 31-man squad are all fit and available for selection against Canada," team co-ordinator Mick Kearney is quoted as saying by ESPN.
"Cian's great. He obviously had a few dark days across the summer but towards the end of August he made fantastic progress. He's been in full training for the last two weeks and I'm delighted to report that he is available for selection at the weekend against Canada.
"The fact that he is available and is fit I think it's a huge boost to everyone in the squad and a huge boost to Cian as well."
Healy underwent surgery on his neck at the end of last season, making him one of a number of fitness concerns heading into the showpiece tournament.
Daniel Lewis
