Ireland manager Anthony Tohill is confident that he will have Emmet Bolton available for selection for Friday's second International Rules test with Australia.
Bolton was stretchered off during last week's 80-39 victory with concussion following an accidental clash with Australia opponent Mitch Robinson.
Scans showed that there was no serious damage done and Tohill believes that the Kildare wing-back could line out against the Aussies on Friday.
"He's recovering well. His whole neck area is stiff and sore, as you can imagine if you saw the collision," the Ireland manager said.
"He has been sore for a few days, but it's freeing up and he was up to a good three-quarter pace there this evening. It's all looking positive and we expect him to be available."
Tohill is expecting a major backlash from Australia in the wake of their record defeat but is confident that his side will be able to cope with whatever they can offer.
"When a team suffers a defeat at all you expect the players to respond the next time out and I'm sure there'll be a response from Australia," he said. "If it's within the rules of the game and it's hard and fair we've no issue at all."
