Conor Murray insists being part of the British & Irish Lions’ success Down Under has given him the confidence to go on and become the best scrum-half in the world.
The Irishman has enjoyed quite a rise to stardom so far, becoming first choice at Munster two years ago before playing for Ireland at the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
However the highlight came this summer when he was chosen by Gatland to take on Australia with his Lions side, coming off the bench in the second and third Tests as the first series victory in 16 years was secured.
And 24-year-old Murray admits that writing his name in the history books alongside his fellow Lions team-mates has given him loftier ambitions for the coming years.
"I want to go to that competition [the 2015 World Cup] as one of the best scrum-halves in the world," Murray told the Irish Independent. "I have that self-belief from the Lions tour and want to grow my game to become one of the best scrum-halves in Europe this season and then grow again for the World Cup in England the following season.
"You don't need a big tour or something like the Lions to aim for in order to have goals. I have personal goals that I won't share but I have no problem highlighting that one. I want to evolve my game to that level.
"I was a bit fed up that I wasn't picked to start. But to come on in the second and third Tests and have two good games and contribute to the series win was special.
"The confidence I've gleaned from being a part of the series is massive."
