Ireland loosehead prop Cian Healy has admitted that he is delighted to have made his return from an injury layoff.

The 27-year-old has suffered with neck problems for the past four months, but he was given the green light to feature in this afternoon's Pool D clash against Canada.

Having now put on the Ireland shirt for the first time in six months, being introduced from the bench for the final 20 minutes of the 50-7 victory in Cardiff, Healy was delighted to have come through unscathed.

"The neck is feeling all good," he told Sports Mole. "I'm happy to come through that first hurdle after a long time sat watching."

The Leinster ace also reserved some special praise for the Ireland supporters inside a packed Millennium Stadium, adding: "The noise inside the stadium was unbelievable. Once we get into those cut-throat games it will provide us with the extra help that we need."

Ireland return to action in eight days' time when they take on Romania at Wembley Stadium.