Ireland 'optimistic' on Prendergast fitness

Prendergast has earned 17 Ireland caps [Getty Images]Ireland are optimistic that Sam Prendergast will be fit for Friday's Nations Championship opener against Argentina as the fly-half continues his recovery from a wrist injury. Prendergast, 23, missed Leinster's United Rugby Championship win over Munster on 24 October after injuring his wrist in training. Speaking after that game, Leinster head coach Leo Cullen admitted Prendergast recovering in time to face the Pumas would be "tight". But in a squad update issued on Sunday, the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) said he "continues to improve" and that "management are optimistic" he will be available for selection. Ireland head coach Andy Farrell is already without the injured Jack Crowley, with Connacht's Ciaran Frawley and uncapped Ulster player Jamie Benson the other options at fly-half. In positive news, Leinster utility back Jimmy O'Brien will be available to face Argentina. The 29-year-old has resumed training having passed return to play protocols after sustaining a concussion against Munster.Ireland host Argentina on Friday (20:10 GMT) before home matches with Fiji and South Africa on 14 and 21 November, and a finals weekend fixture against a yet-to-be determined southern hemisphere opponent the following week at Twickenham's Allianz Stadium. In the southern hemisphere leg of the Nations Championship in July, Ireland beat Australia and Japan before losing to New Zealand in Auckland.