Ireland defence coach Les Kiss has called on the team to remain focused ahead of their Six Nations clash with Scotland on Sunday.

The side enter the match knowing that they have to win in order to remain in the hunt for the title, and Kiss insists that the players must "step forward".

"It's time to step forward and face the next challenge because you can't look too far behind in this competition," he told reporters.

"Right now the Six Nations is in a precarious situation for a lot of teams. There's no done deal on what's going to happen. If we get it right this weekend, we'll be in a strong position heading into the France game."

Ronan O'Gara is expected to return for Ireland at the expense of Jonathan Sexton.