Anthony Foley (above) won the last of his 10 caps when coming on as a replacement against England in the 1997 Five Nations Championship. Almost three years later he looks like bridging that gap to the international side. The Shannon number eight has been outstanding for Munster this season and is currently the premier player in that position ahead of Victor Costello with the rest a distant third.

Foley has always been an outstanding footballer from his days as an Ireland schoolboy, through Under-21, A, Senior and back to A international levels. A perceived problem a few seasons back was firstly his conditioning and secondly his attitude/desire. He has answered his detractors in the most emphatic fashion over the past 18 months.

If form is the criteria, then Foley is shortly to be restored to the national squad.