Leinster's Rob Kearney now chosen in his best position of full-back

Rob Kearney is an injury doubt for Ireland ahead of their Six Nations opener against France at Croke Park.

The full-back twisted an ankle during training but Irish coach Declan Kidney remains optimistic that he will be fit to face the French on Saturday.

The Leinster player was put on crutches as a precaution and has been receiving intensive physiotherapy.

If Kearney misses out, he may be replaced by Geordan Murphy with Girvan Dempsey being called up to the bench.

Ulster player Paddy Wallace will make his first Six Nations start as Brian O'Driscoll's midfield partner.

The 29-year-old Wallace has spent the majority of his international career as cover for fly-half Ronan O'Gara.

Kearney, if passed fit, will occupy his best position at full-back, while Luke Fitzgerald is on the wing to accommodate Wallace.

Wallace's inclusion is big call by coach Declan Kidney who makes one change and two positional switches from the last Irish outing.

Kidney played Kearney on the wing during the autumn Tests, but it is at full-back where many believe he is the most potent. The Ospreys' Tommy Bowe retains his place on the right wing.

The pack that defeated Argentina in the final autumn Test remains the same with Jerry Flannery holding on to his hooking role with Ulster skipper Rory Best on the bench.

Paddy Wallace will be making his first Six Nations start for Ireland

The in-form Stephen Ferris will make his Six Nations debut at blindside flanker while Jamie Heaslip holds on to the number eight berth despite the pressure from a fit-again Denis Leamy.

Gordon D'Arcy gets his first international call-up since breaking his arm against Italy a year ago. He gets the call onto the bench ahead of experienced Leinster duo Shane Horgan and Girvan Dempsey.

Also omitted from the original 27-man panel are Alan Quinlan, Mick O'Driscoll, while youngster Keith Earls was ruled out by a hamstring injury.

However, Kidney's choice of Wallace in midfield will be the major talking point in the make-up of his first Six Nations side.

The coach said that he will be picking his side on form, and Wallace has so far had an outstanding season in the number 12 jersey for Ulster.

It comes after a successful tour Down Under when the 29-year-old Belfast-born Wallace linked-up with O'Driscoll in the games against Australia and New Zealand.

Wallace comes in for his 13th cap, seven of which were won as a replacement. He has normally been used as cover for fly-half Ronan O'Gara since he made his debut against South Africa in 2006. He travelled to Australia in 2003 as part of Ireland's World Cup squad, but did not feature.

Wallace played fly-half with O'Driscoll in the centre when Ireland won the U19 FIRA/World Youth Championship in France in 1998.

Paddy (Wallace) has shown a lot of consistent form Declan Kidney

The Ulster player spoke of his delight at his inclusion in the starting line-up although he added that it hadn't come as a major shock.

"I'm delighted that Declan had faith in me," Wallace told BBC Sport.

"I wasn't over-surprised by the selection although I was obviously nervous going into the meeting when Declan was naming the side."

Speaking at the team announcement, Kidney alluded to Wallace's experience of playing with O'Driscoll.

"Even at under-19s, they played next to one another," added Kidney.

"Paddy has shown a lot of consistent form. He dovetails well with Brian and Ronan (O'Gara) inside and outside.

"He's got a good temperament - I like that in the way he can bring that to the game."

Ireland: R Kearney; T Bowe, B O'Driscoll, capt, P Wallace, L Fitzgerald; R O'Gara, T O'Leary; M Horan, J Flannery, J Hayes, D O'Callaghan, P O'Connell, S Ferris, D Wallace, J Heaslip.

Replacements: R Best, T Court, M O'Kelly, D Leamy, P Stringer, G D'Arcy, G Murphy.

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