SKIPPER CHIPPER

Sexton looks good for Murrayfield as back-up Carbery is stood down

- MICHAEL SCULLY

JOHNNY SEXTON looks primed to return for Ireland's Six Nations trip to Murrayfield after Andy Farrell decided to cull Joey Carbery.

The skipper returned to training last week after a groin injury suffered in the round two victory over France ruled him out of Ireland's next game, the 42-19 win against Italy.

Having omitted Carbery (inset) from his squad for the opening two rounds, head coach Farrell turned to the experienced Munster No.10 to provide cover in the Rome absence of Sexton.

Carbery did not make the bench at the Stadio Olimpico, with Farrell opting instead to give Ross Byrne his first Six Nations start with Jack Crowley named on the bench for the first time in a championship game.