THE Ireland manager, Pat Whelan, has said he "confidently expects second row Neil Francis and left wing Simon Geoghegan to report frilly fit" when the Ireland team to meet Scotland in the International Championship at Lansdowne Road on Saturday assemble in Dublin tonight.

Francis (chest infection) and Geoghegan (thigh strain) missed the Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning training sessions at the weekend, Geoghegan as a precaution and Francis because he was sent home by the doctor.

"All the indications are that both will he fit. I certainly have not heard anything to the contrary," said Whelan. "Neil Francis went for medical examination and tests on Monday and had there been any problems I asked him to contact me. That was not necessary, so it is a clear indication that he has recovered."

There was more encouraging news yesterday, too, about Victor Costello, who is due to play in the back row on the A side against the Scots on Friday.

"Things are looking more hopeful for him now," Whelan said. "He has made considerable improvement."

The Scots were hopeful yesterday, too, that centre Scott Hastings will be fit to play on Saturday. He was troubled by a knee injury at the weekend. But the Scots have been forced to make a change at in the A side. Loose head prop Grant Wilson has been ruled out by a medial ligament injury. His place will be taken by Martin Brown (Melrose).