DECLAN KIDNEY HAS added a number of names to the 31-man Ireland training squad ahead of the upcoming Guinness series of games against South Africa, Fiji and Argentina.

Seven names have been added, including four extra backs in the shape of Ulster’s Craig Gilroy, Paddy Jackson and Paul Marshall, as well as Connacht wing Tiernan O’Halloran

Ireland captain Brian O’Driscoll turned his ankle during Leinster’s win over the Cardiff Blues in the Rabo Direct PRO12 on Saturday.

While a scan on Sunday revealed that the damage to the player’s foot was not as bad as first feared, his progress will be monitored.

Sean Cronin of Leinster has also been called up after Rory Best took a knock against the Dragons, while Declan Fitzpatrick and tight head prop Michael Bent – who qualifies through his maternal grandmother – also join the panel.

Bent has been playing regularly with Taranki in the provincial championship in New Zealand and arrived in Ireland earlier today.