Having begun this year's tournament with an encouraging 33-21 defeat of Italy in Udine, Mark McDermott's side have shipped defeats to both Scotland (16-8) - for the first time ever at this level - and most recently England (28-6).

Captain Gareth Steenson - who missed the outing against England at Donnybrook on February 25 - looks set for a return from injury. UCD's Ross McCarron and Daniel Ross of Corinthians - one of two players from the Tuam Road club included - have also earned call-ups.

In the forwards, UCC scholarship student Robert Quinn is in line for his first tournament appearance.

Last season, Ireland earned a 20-20 draw away to France. Friday's visitors to Limerick chalked up two wins over both Scotland (12-8) and England (20-17) before losing to leaders Wales last time out, 20-19.

The Ireland team and replacements will be selected later this week, from the following squad:

Forwards (12):

John Andress (Belfast Harlequins) Eamonn Bracken (Buccaneers) Ryan Caldwell (Dungannon) Michael Diffley (Buccaneers) Stephen Ferris (Dungannon) Oisin Hennessy (Dungannon) Chris Henry (Malone) Mark Melbourne (Garryowen) Brett McNamee (Northampton) Joseph Merrigan (Corinthians) Robert Quinn (UCC) Lewis Stevenson (Belfast Harlequins)

Backs (10):

Kieran Geraghty (London Irish) Barry Keeshan (Cork Constitution) Paul Marshall (Ballynahinch) Ross McCarron (UCD) Paul McKenzie (Belfast Harlequins) David O'Leary (UCC) Daniel Riordan (Corinthians) Greg Stafford (Lansdowne) Gareth Steenson (Dungannon) (Capt) Andrew Trimble (Ballymena)

Coach: Mark McDermott Assistant Coach: Brian Walsh Manager: David Haslett

Ireland Under-21s' Six Nations results:

Italy U-21 21 Ireland U-21 33, Udine Scotland U-21 16 Ireland U-21 8, Falkirk Community Stadium Ireland U-21 6 England U-21 28, Donnybrook

Fixtures to come:

Friday, March 11: Ireland U-21 v France U-21, Thomond Park (7.30pm) Friday, March 18: Wales U-21 v Ireland U-21, Rodney Parade, Newport (7.00pm)