Rugby World Cup: Rob Kearney could be fit for Ireland against Scotland

Ireland full-back Rob Kearney could still be in contention for Sunday's World Cup opener against Scotland despite a calf injury.

The 33-year-old had looked set to miss the first Pool A game but is now likely to train on Wednesday.

Ireland remain hopeful that both Kearney and Keith Earls, who has a thigh problem, can face Scotland.

They are already likely to be without centre Robbie Henshaw this weekend because of a hamstring complaint.

"Rob Kearney has a bit of tightness in his calf, and that will be managed across Tuesday," said an Irish Rugby Football Union spokesman.

"We hope he'll be out running on Wednesday so we will be able to update after that. Keith Earls ran on Monday, while Joey Carbery trained fully on Monday too."

Carbery, who was forced off in the first warm-up fixture against England, is primarily a fly-half but has also previously played at full-back.

Kearney's Leinster team-mate Jordan Larmour could also fill in for him, while Munster's Andrew Conway is another option.

Ulster's Will Addison remains on standby after Henshaw's injury on Saturday, with Ireland management requesting that the full-back was rested from Saturday's pre-season friendly against Glasgow.

Kearney impressed in Ireland's 19-10 victory over Wales that closed their World Cup warm-up fixtures in Dublin on 7 September.

The 92-cap full-back ties Ireland's backline together and coach Joe Schmidt will be keen to have his calming presence in the key pool match.