Ryan to see specialist but Ireland upbeat on injuries

Ryan received treatment on his hand injury after coming off the bench in Ireland's win over Scotland on Saturday

Ireland second row James Ryan will see a specialist about his hand injury but has not been ruled out of the World Cup quarter-final against New Zealand.

Wings Mack Hansen (calf) and James Lowe (eye) are also improving after being forced off in the Scotland match.

Centre Robbie Henshaw and Keith Earls, both of whom have hamstring issues, are in contention to face the All Blacks.

Ireland team manager Mick Kearney issued the upbeat injury update during a virtual news conference on Monday morning, explaining that the team should have a clearer picture of Ryan's fitness over the next 24 hours.

Kearney also confirmed nobody has been added to the squad ahead of the knockout match against the three-time champions at Stade de France.

"James Ryan is seeing a specialist. We're hoping for better news than originally anticipated," said Kearney.

"Mack Hansen took a bang to his calf but is improving and both him and James Lowe are making good strides.

"Keith Earls and Robbie Henshaw are both in contention as they progress during the week. Apart from that, there are just some usual bumps and bruises after a Test match."

Kearney added: "We won't have a definitive on James until after he sees the specialist but there would be more optimism around James than what was originally anticipated."