Munster’s Ian Keatley training in Carton House just shows what Ireland means to him

With preparations fully ramping up this week for Ireland's Six Nations opener against Scotland, Joe Schmidt is covering all possibilities with his latest recruitment.

There was much debate in the aftermath of Ireland's initial squad announcement at the beginning of last week, most notably surrounding the fact that Joe Schmidt decided only to choose two out-halves in his squad. Much of the talk surrounded Ian Madigan's absence and whether the Ireland management were right or wrong in leaving him out of the initial selection. https://twitter.com/SportsJOEdotie/status/824368245448855554 Regardless, it was also an endorsement of Jonathan Sexton's fitness, with the Leinster out-half expected to take a full part in training this week in order to be ready for the clash against Vern Cotter's men in Murrayfield. However, now with the Scotland game in sight, Schmidt seems to have decided to play it safe with regards to any potential injuries which may crop up this week by calling Munster's Ian Keatley into Ireland camp. This was confirmed by Munster's defence coach , Jacques Nienaber, to The42.

“Yes, Ian Keatley is with them," confirmed the South African coach.

As Munster look set to re-visit their charge to the top of the Pro12 table with four fixtures to be played in February, Nienaber is hoping that some players will be released from camp in order to replenish their depleted squad.

“We are hoping to get some back from the Irish camp, but if they want to keep them, they must keep them,” he said.

You can't help but be impressed with Keatley's desire to help his country. The 29-year-old out half hasn't played as frequently for Munster this season but has nevertheless played his part in some crucial wins for the southern province this season, notably the impressive away Pro12 victories over Glasgow Warriors and Connacht. With his name absent from the latest announcement by Munster in relation to contract renewals and the impending arrival of former-player JJ Hanrahan, it seems like Keatley's time in a Munster shirt will be coming to an end. He has been heavily linked with a move to French outfit, Bayonne. With this in mind, and the fact that in all likelihood he will be released from camp by the end of the week, you really have to tip your hat to Keatley for doing his part in helping achieve the best possible outcome for Ireland in Murrayfield on Saturday.