Ireland optimistic over Hansen and Bealham fitness

Mack Hansen and Finlay Bealham are doubtful for Sunday’s Six Nations game against Scotland, but Tadhg Furlong and Joe McCarthy appear to be ruled out.

After suffering a cut knee, Winger Hansen, 26, returned to the field to complete Saturday’s win over England as a blood substitute.

Tight-head prop Bealham, meanwhile, had an ankle injury following the England game but scrum coach John Fogarty said that the Connacht pair “looked good” in training on Wednesday morning.

“They just started their training, and the results look favorable.” They took part in the full session”, said Fogarty.

The British and Irish Lions tight-head prop Furlong and McCarthy, who both claimed that the Murrayfield matchup is likely to “come too soon” for the Leinster duo, were not well received.

McCarthy was ruled out of the Aviva Stadium match by a calf injury and concussion that caused Furlong to miss the England game.

Given Furlong’s injury and Tom O’Toole’s suspension for the final two games of his six-game suspension, Ireland are already short of options for the number three jersey.