Murray Kinsella reports from Stadio Olimpico

JOHNNY SEXTON HAS been cleared to make his return from concussion next weekend in Ireland’s Six Nations clash against France at the Aviva Stadium.

Sexton's return to fitness will be a major boost to Joe Schmidt. Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO

The 29-year-old out-half has not played since the November Test victory over Australia, enduring a frustrating spell on the sidelines as he recovered from his fourth concussion in a year.

However, Sexton met with Dr. Jean-François Cherman in Paris yesterday, when the neurologist confirmed that the out-half is free to play again from next week.

Sexton misses tomorrow’s Six Nations opener against Italy in Stadio Olimpico but seems likely to come back into Joe Schmidt’s starting line-up for next weekend’s clash against France despite his recent lack of game time.

Ian Keatley wears the number 10 shirt in Rome in Sexton’s stead, having beaten off the competition of Leinster’s Ian Madigan. The Munster out-half will be making his Six Nations debut against Jacques Brunel’s side.

Having Sexton back in the team from next week would be a major boost to Schmidt’s hopes of retaining the Six Nations title this year, given the Racing Métro man’s world-class ability.