Jonathan Sexton is an injury doubt ahead of Ireland's opening November international on Saturday.

He is still struggling to shake off a hip injury that he sustained in training last week.

The French press had suggested that the fly-half was carrying the injury after sitting out a Top 14 match at the weekend.

But according to Ireland staff, Sexton was "good to go" after arriving at the camp this week. However, he failed to take part in training at Carton House yesterday.

Paddy Jackson is believed to be the prime candidate to deputize at 10 if Sexton does not recover in time for the Samoa match.

Meanwhile, Paul O'Connell trained yesterday and is now thought to be fit enough to start Saturday's game.

©INPHO/Billy Stickland