Ulster scrum-half Paul Marshall hopes to reignite his claim on a starting spot with Ireland alongside club mate and half-back partner Paddy Jackson.
Marshall won his first cap for his first cap for his country off the bench in Ireland’s 22-15 RBS 6 Nations defeat to Italy last spring, with his third and most recent coming on the summer tour to North America against Canada.
But this season he has been forced to play second fiddle to South African Ruan Pienaar for Ulster with Jackson impressing at fly-half, and while Marshall is keen to press his own case for an Ireland spot, he is also championing his teammate.
“I think he is a smashing player and he has had a great season so far,” the 28-year-old told the Belfast Telegraph.
“He has matured massively over the last 18 months and he is knocking on the door of the Irish team. He is very composed and I like playing with him.
“To be honest I think I’m a bit down the pecking order at the minute and I don’t think I can look too far ahead as regards that.
“I’ve just got to try and keep playing well and if I am playing well I’ll be happy and if anything else comes from that brilliant.
“I maybe haven’t set the world alight this year but I don’t think I have played badly and maybe I haven’t had some of the highlights I’ve had over the last year or two which can sometimes get your name mentioned and get you attention.
“But I’ve been steady enough and if I can put in a few solid performances over the next few weeks you never know, there are a few guys ahead of me but it is something to keep working on.”
