Stephen Ferris walks from the field after being sin-binned © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: Stephen Ferris

Tournaments/Tours: Six Nations

Teams: Ireland | Ulster

Ireland have conceded that they are "disappointed" over Stephen Ferris' citing but remain confident that it will be overturned.

Ferris has been cited for his tip-tackle on lock Ian Evans in the final minute of Saturday's 23-21 Six Nations defeat by Wales. The Ulster blindside flanker must appear before an independent championship disciplinary committee in London tomorrow.

Ireland team manager Michael Kearney is confident Ferris will escape a ban for an incident that many felt did not even warrant the yellow card he received from referee Wayne Barnes.

"We are very disappointed to hear this," said Kearney. "The hearing will take place at lunchtime tomorrow and we will let due process take place before we say anything else. I will travel with Stephen. He does have an exemplary disciplinary record. He has played 31 times for Ireland and has never received so much as a yellow card.

"The last yellow card he received was more than two years ago (with Ulster) and he has never once received a yellow card for any form of foul play. We are hopeful that we will get the right result tomorrow."

Meanwhile, Ireland have reported no injury concerns from their Six Nations opener. Keith Earls has rejoined the camp after his newly-born first child, who was taken ill last week, returned home.

"Keith Earls is back with us and everything is well with his girl, which is great news," Kearney said. "He's in very good form and looking forward to the week."