Moon boot treatment for Payne
The fitness of the 29-year-old New Zealand born Payne is crucial to Irish hopes of beating France as he has formed an effective centre partnership with Robbie Henshaw. They have not yet played together at this World Cup however.
Payne, who missed the edgy 16-9 win over Italy on Sunday which clinched Ireland's place in the quarterfinals, has been suffering from a bruised foot and the Irish medical team has put his foot in a moon boot as part of the treatment.
"The next 24 hours will give us a clearer picture of Jared Payne's situation," said Kearney.
"But we would be very hopeful he will be okay later in the week.
"He's in and out of the moon boot all day, and he's already been jogging in training," he added.
Kearney said there were no other fitness concerns despite the hard physical workout the side got from their rugged Italian opponents.
Ireland coach Joe Schmidt, who has yet to taste defeat against France in his two year tenure will announce his starting team on Friday.
Agence France-Presse
