British & Irish Lion Geordan Murphy has underlined his determination to make a big contribution on this summer’s tour to New Zealand.
The 27-year-old can play as a full-back or a winger, although he would rather start at 15, and this versatility could see him employed as an impact player.
Gareth Thomas, Jason Robinson, Josh Lewsey and Shane Williams are all rivals for that starting berth, but Murphy is determined to play some part against the All Blacks.
"It’s going to be very difficult for me to get a Test spot. There is depth throughout the squad and especially in the back three," the Leicester back said.
"But everyone aspires to get in the Test team and I’m no different. There will be a lot of competition."
Murphy is overjoyed to be travelling to the Southern Hemisphere as part of an 11-strong Irish contingent but also reflected on the misfortune of those who had missed out on a ticket to New Zealand.
"I was delighted there were so many Irish lads in the squad. We’ve been saying for long enough that we have good rugby players. I think it’s a fair representation," he said.
"But there are probably a few guys entitled to feel disappointed not to be selected.
"While it was nice for myself and others to be in, I have friends who were hoping to be selected but weren’t."
He added: "I was over the moon to be selected for the tour. It took a long time to sink in.
"There’s still a long way to go between now and the first match on the tour, though."
