Ireland are expected to be without their inspirational skipper Keith Wood for the opening games of the RBS Six Nations Championship.

Wood's club Harlequins announced on Wednesday that they did not expect the Lions hooker to be back in training for around eight weeks after a shoulder operation.

Wood, who has won 51 caps and captained Ireland on more than 20 occasions, is unlikely to play again until early March.

That would rule him out of the Six Nations matches against Scotland on 16 February and Italy six days later.

Brian O'Driscoll led Irish in the autumn Tests

He could also struggle to make the Lansdowne Road clash against reigning champions France on 8 March.

Wood's absence would leave the way for star centre Brian O'Driscoll to skipper Ireland in the championship for the first time.

O'Driscoll led the Irish to victories over Australia, Argentina and Fiji in the autumn Test series which Wood missed becaue of a neck problem.

For those matches, Wood's place as Irish hooker was taken by Leinster's Shane Byrne.

Wood, who last played for his country almost four months ago, had arthroscopic surgery last weekend.

"It is frustrating for Keith that he has suffered this minor problem so soon after coming back from his previous injury," said Harlequins team manager Mike Scott.

"However, it is good news that the arthroscopy was a success, and we look forward to seeing Keith back in action just as soon as he is fit."