Joe Schmidt has confirmed that Brian O'Driscoll will be fit in time for the start of the Six Nations.
The Ireland captain has not played since injuring his ankle while playing for Leinster in October.
The Leinster coach told Sky Sports News: "We'd be confident of Brian O'Driscoll, Rob Kearney and Luke Fitzgerald getting back for Edinburgh [on January 4].
O'Driscoll missed all of Ireland's Autumn Internationals.
Ireland open their Six Nations campaign against Wales on February 2.