Kearney sustained strained knee ligaments during the 33-10 defeat to France in Paris on February 13.

Geordan Murphy, in just his second game in five months, impressed when deputising for the 23-year-old in the 20-16 victory over England at Twickenham last weekend.

And Kidney admits he’ll have a tough decision to make if Kearney puts himself into contention for the second stage of Ireland’s tilt at the Triple Crown.

“He went about his business well (in training) but he didn’t do any of the contact so we just have to see if there is any reaction,” said Kidney.

“At the moment, he has every chance of putting himself forward.”