Ulster full-back Michael Lowry hopes to specialise in two key positions for his club - and possibly Ireland - in the years ahead.
The fleet-footed Lowry, who has emerged as one of the province’s most potent backs, has shone wearing the number 15 shirt for Dan McFarland’s men this season.
He also scored two tries playing in the back three on his international debut in February’s thumping Six Nations win over Italy in Dublin.
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It’s easy to forget the 23-year-old started out as an out-half - although he was handed a rare start in the number 10 start in last month’s URC defeat to Munster.
Asked if he plans to continue pursuing more games at fly-half, Lowry - who starts at 15 in Friday night’s URC clash with the Sharks - said: “I definitely want to pursue it.
“I want to grow my game to another level and if I have 10 nailed down at one stage, I think it’ll make me a much better player.
“I’ve played international level now at 15 and I really enjoy 15. I constantly work on my skills for 15, but on the flipside I also constantly work on the 10 skills that are needed.
“Working alongside Billy (Burns) and Mads (Ian Madigan).. I’m constantly learning because 10 is one of those positions that you do need to constantly learn.
“You also need to get a few games under your belt there as well. Apart from the Munster game I hadn’t really had an awful lot of time in the 10 spot.
“Maybe 10 minutes here, 15 minutes there, but to actually go in and start a game.. I hadn’t started in a year at 10.
"It’ll take time, I suppose, similar to playing at 15. It took time at 15 to really learn your position and play well at it.”
It has been a whirlwind period since the New Year for Lowry who, as well as making his Irish bow in February, has been one of McFarland’s go-to guys in Europe and the URC.
And the stakes are high in Belfast this evening with a win over the Sharks guaranteeing Ulster a home tie in next month’s quarter-finals.
“These are the games you want to play in and I’m just really enjoying it at the minute,” said Lowry. “We all want to play in those massive games.
“We can’t afford to be emotionally tired (at this stage of the season) because if we take our foot off the gas then someone else will come in and take your spot.
“Or a team will outplay you and get a victory. It is about being mentally ready at the end of a season and getting ourselves mentally prepared.”
After losing three games on the bounce in the URC, including a 17-24 home defeat to Munster, it was crucial Ulster got back to winning ways at Edinburgh three weeks ago.
A Robert Baloucoune try and a gutsy rearguard action in the final minutes at the DAM Health Stadium sealed a last-eight berth and European qualification.
“It was such an important win, it definitely boosted morale and it took a little bit of pressure off us,” said Lowry.
“We still have a great opportunity to go and win silverware.”
Friday night's game with the Sharks has a 7.35pm kick-off.
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