While we may be happy to have him in the squad, it would be fair to say that Cian Healy's lack of match practice has got to be a worry ahead of the start of the World Cup. Kick off is less than two weeks away and one of Ireland's key components has not played since undergoing surgery in May. It's far from an ideal situation.
However, help may be at hand for Joe Schmidt in the form of Leo Cullen. The Leinster coach has confirmed that should he be called upon, he is more than willing to find a place for Healy in his selection for the Pro 12 clash against Cardiff on Saturday.
If there were people who needed games, I would have a look at the selection, what we need and what they need as well.
Cullen did stress that Healy would have to spend a couple of days with the squad in an effort to get used to the calls but, if that can be arranged, there's certainly a place for him. It must be said that there's nothing official coming from the Ireland camp on this.
It would be a risk to put Healy in front of a hungry Cardiff pack but he's got to get back on the pitch at some stage and Leinster may be a welcome possibility for all involved if Joe Schmidt wants to see how Healy's neck holds up to the stress before we get down to the nitty gritty of serious World Cup action.
