91�ȱ�

Wales captain Sam Warburton says he is "positive" of recovering from a knee injury in time to face Ireland in the Six Nations on 14 March.

Warburton, 26, suffered a blow to his knee during Saturday's 20-13 victory against France in Paris.

But the Cardiff Blues open-side flanker has returned to training and is confident of facing Ireland.

"It has got a lot better and I'll be back to see the physios but all the signs are positive," he said.

Like Warburton, fly-half Dan Biggar was injured against France but is expected to return to training this week.

Prop Paul James will miss the rest of the Six Nations after fracturing his thumb during the win at Stade de France.

Second row Luke Charteris has a dead leg and is doubtful for Racing Metro's Top 14 game against Grenoble at the weekend.

Warburton's return is a boost for Wales, who host Ireland at the Millennium Stadium a week on Saturday in what could be a pivotal match in the Six Nations title race.

Reigning champions Ireland are currently top of the table having won all three of their matches so far.

But with two victories from three games, Wales could keep alive their hopes of winning the title if they beat the Irish.

"It's going to be a huge game," added Warburton.

"I've been really impressed with Ireland in the last 12 months. They have won their last 10 games against quality opposition and they will be going into the game as favourites."