Peter O'Mahony has been recalled to the Ireland team for Sunday's Six Nations game against Scotland at Murrayfield.

The Munster flanker, who was not included in the matchday squad for last week's win over England, is handed his first start since last summer's tour of South Africa by interim head coach Simon Easterby.

Wing Mack Hansen and tight-head prop Finlay Bealham have been passed fit to start, while Robbie Henshaw replaces Garry Ringrose at outside centre as Easterby makes two changes.

Sam Prendergast is again given the nod at fly-half with Jack Crowley to be used off the bench.

Hooker Dan Sheehan and back row Jack Conan are kept among the replacements despite eye-catching displays off the bench against England.

Easterby says Sunday's trip to Scotland, who will name their team later on Friday, presents a "significant challenge" to his side.

"We have taken confidence from the win over England this week and there are undoubtedly areas for improvement," he said.

"Selection was a real challenge again which reinforces the competition for places. As we approach round two, it's about improvement and building momentum.

We know that we will need to start the game strongly and meet their physical challenge."

Ireland: Keenan; Hansen, Henshaw, Aki, Lowe; Prendergast, Gibson-Park; Porter, Kelleher, Bealham; Ryan, Beirne; O'Mahony, Van der Flier, Doris (capt).

Replacements: Sheehan, Healy, Clarkson, Baird, Conan, Murray, Crowley, Ringrose.

O'Mahony captained Ireland to last year's Six Nations title before Caelan Doris took over as skipper before the autumn Tests.

The 35-year-old did not start any of Ireland's November games having gone into that campaign with a hamstring issue but returns to replace Ryan Baird in the back row.

O'Mahony's return is the only change to the Irish pack with Bealham fit to start after picking up an ankle knock in the England game.

Bealham's availability is a boost for Easterby with Tadhg Furlong still ruled out through injury.

Easterby has also opted to keep Sheehan is reserve despite an impactful display off the bench against England that yielded his ninth Six Nations try.

Sheehan was making his Test return after six months out with an anterior cruciate ligament injury and helped Ireland beat England alongside the impressive Conan, who caught the eye in his first international appearance since last year's Six Nations.

Alongside them on the bench is prop Cian Healy, who will surpass former Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll as the country's most-capped player in the Men's Six Nations if he comes on for his 66th appearance.

Ireland, who are aiming to win a third successive Six Nations title, have won each of their past 10 encounters against Scotland.