The countdown has begun to Six Nations 2014 game day four as Ireland host Italy at the Aviva stadium knowing a win will keep them on track for the Championship. Solid displays that saw Joe Schmidt s side beat Scotland and Wales was followed by a hard working performance against England in Twickenham but it wasn't enough to prevent a 13-10 reversal.

Simon Zebo is back in the Ireland squad for next weeks encounter with Italy at the Aviva. Luke Marshall , Tommy O'Donnell , Felix Jones and Isaac Boss miss out through injury while Tommy Bowe has also been excluded after feeling tightness during his return for Ulster on Friday.

Doubts still exits about the injured Peter O’Mahony and Johnny Sexton and both men will be monitored by medics throughout the week. Former Leinster and Ireland winger Niall Woods joined me to discuss the injuries and the options for the coach who is seeking a Championship in his first year in charge.