Tyrone Howe: Fails to make squad

Also returning to boost the midfield is Lions centre Rob Henderson, who was troubled by a series of injuries last season.

Another recalled is back-row forward Eric Miller who was injured in the first Test against the All Black, but has since regained full fitness.

Miller will make up for the absence of David Wallace, who will be out of action because of a shoulder injury.

Also missing through injury are Anthony Horgan and Paul O'Connell, while O'Sullivan is hoping to have Shane Horgan available within the next two weeks.

Leinster's Keith Gleeson got the nod ahead of Kieron Dawson for the openside berth.

Dawson missed the Six Nations after requiring surgery for a knee injury, but he has shown that he has fully recovered in the recent squad sessions.

Once again the squad includes only two Ulstermen Gary Longwell and David Humphreys with Lions winger Tyrone Howe failing to make the cut.

Ireland squad: K Wood, J Hayes, R Corrigan, S Byrne, P Wallace, G Longwell, L Cullen, M O'Kelly, A Foley, S Easterby, K Gleeson, E Miller, P Stringer, G Easterby, R O'Gara, D Humphreys, B O'Driscoll, R Henderson, K Maggs, D Hickie, J Kelly, G Dempsey.