Jamie Heaslip believes that Jack Carty faces his last chance to impress with Ireland if he is picked in Andy Farrell's Six Nations squad later today.
With Joey Carbery sidelined as he recovers from an elbow injury, Connacht out-half Carty is expected to come back into Farrell's thinking, having been drafted late into Ireland's November series plans a couple of months ago.
Farrell faces an interesting choice in terms of his no 10s behind veteran first choice Johnny Sexton, who saw his first action last weekend since he was injured in Ireland's victory over New Zealand on November 13.
Speaking at the joint launch of RTE and Virgin Media's Six Nations coverage, former Leinster and Ireland star Heaslip claims that Carty - who had not featured previously under Farrell - has to seize any chance he gets now to impress in this year's championship on the back of the strong form he has shown for his province.
"He has got to take the opportunity," stated Heaslip.
"This is a bit of a last chance saloon for him I think if he gets his chance with Ireland.
"There’s a lot of other guys sniffing around but for me Johnny is the GOAT. He’s not going anywhere.
"He’s the Tom Brady of the IRFU right now and he’s not going to give up that jersey - and he’s head and shoulders above everyone else right now.”
Alan Quinlan feels that Ross Byrne, who was not picked in November having fallen behind his younger brother Harry in the pecking order, should be in Farrell's training squad selection ahead of Ireland's championship kick-off against Wales on February 5.
“Ross Byrne is another candidate that needs to be mentioned," urged Quinlan, the ex-Munster and Ireland back row.
"He is rock solid every time he plays for Leinster. He is going to be in the mix but there will be an argument for trying that spark that Carty brings.
"You get unbelievable control and I’m a big fan of Ross Byrne as well but it is hard to ignore Jack Carty as well.
“I wouldn’t say it is his last-chance saloon but definitely he has to take this opportunity if he gets in among the squad.
"He may not start but just how he performs in training, what he brings and how he impresses the coaches: I think it is a great opportunity for him.”
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