Pain in the neck rules Wood out

Keith Wood¿s neck injury has failed to respond to treatment, ruling the Ireland skipper out of Saturday¿s World Cup qualifier against Georgia.

Leinster's Shane Byrne will deputise once more for the Harlequins hooker with Frankie Sheahan earning a call-up to the replacements bench.

Wood aggravated a neck injury in Ireland's World Cup qualifing victory over Russia in Siberia last weekend.

The problem was not helped by the Irish squad's travel arrangements - two long-haul flights within the space of a couple of days - and the injury had worsened significantly by the time Wood arrived back in Dublin.

"Keith had a little problem with his neck last week," explained Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan this afternoon. "It wasn't such a problem last week, he played the game [against Russia] no problem, but it manifested itself on the long-haul journey back.

"It was a long old trip and when he got back Sunday night his neck was giving him a lot of trouble."

There was better news regarding Ronan O'Gara who has been passed fit and will definitely take his position at out-half.

The Munster No 10 missed yesterday's training session with a slight knee problem but was today declared fit and ready to earn his 25th cap in the green of Ireland.

Having defeated Russia last weekend, Ireland can guarantee their place at next year's World Cup in Australia with victory over the Georgian's at Lansdowne Road. Tickets will be available on the turnstiles on the day.