Leinster second row Mike McCarthy is reportedly the man Joe Schmidt has called upon to take Paul O'Connell's place in the Ireland World Cup squad.
According to The42.ie's Murray Kinsella, McCarthy has been contacted regarding the decision.
Ulster's Dan Tuohy was the name most expected to be called up. Tuohy came on as a sub in Ireland's first warm-up game against Wales and then started the second against Scotland. McCarthy did not even feature in the match day 23 for any of the four warm-up games.
O'Connell was forced from the pitch shortly before half time on Sunday with a painful looking hamstring injury. If - as has been rumoured - the Ireland captain has torn the muscle from the bone, it would require surgery and a lengthy period of recovery.
The decision to call up McCarthy is expected to be confirmed on Tuesday morning.
On Monday, Leinster back row Rhys Ruddock was named as the squad replacement for the injured Peter O'Mahony.
Picture credit: Sportsfile
