Ireland captain Paul O'Connell has expressed his belief that he will be fit enough to take on Wales in the Six Nations on Saturday.
The 34-year-old missed last weekend's 28-6 win over Scotland with a chest infection.
"You almost wish you'd had something worse than a chest infection," he told BBC Sport.
"I'm experienced enough to know how to handle things like this, I've dealt with similar things before. I broke ribs against England, and had to withdraw late the next week from a game against Italy. It was very frustrating and very disappointing then, and the same last weekend.
"I've worked hard to get into a position where I could play in the Six Nations, so to miss out on the first game was frustrating and disappointing."
Ireland sit top of the Six Nations table following last Sunday's victory.
Written by
Steven Toplis
Steven Toplis
