Paul Burke finished 1997 much as he began the year, conjuring another superlative performance with the boot: his 20 points (as well as scoring a try) against Harlequins on New Year's Eve provided an upbeat denouement to a 12 months that promised a great deal for the Bristol outhalf but remained largely unfulfilling.

Last January Burke broke a national team record when kicking eight penalties against Italy at Lansdowne Road. The disappointing defeat, compounded by Murray Kidd's departure from the coaching role, created an air of uncertainty within the national squad.

Ironically Brian Ashton's arrival allowed many who underachieved against the Italians to escape: Burke did not, although his ambitions were primarily dashed by a medial ligament injury to his knee sustained in a club match. The 24-year-old could only watch in frustration from the sidelines as the French and Welsh games passed by.

Selected for the A international against England, Burke appeared to have grasped the opportunity to impress the new management, by creating two tries in the opening 10 minutes. Unfortunately a knee in the head soon after ended his involvement.

Twenty minutes as a replacement for David Humphreys in the Scottish debacle failed to earn him a place on the Development tour to New Zealand. The priority when the new season began was to concentrate on playing well at club level. Burke admitted: "I knew that it would not be easy as the ball that I would get would be limited.

"But in the last six weeks things have improved both for Bristol and on a personal level. We are generating more possession so there is greater scope for me to express myself and I think I have been doing that to good effect. We are becoming a little more consistent and I think that showed against Harlequins."

Noted for his quick hands, accurate and intelligent distribution, a perceived flaw has been the question marks surrounding Burke's aptitude for the placekicking duties, his strike-rate. The Italian game demonstrated his capability but the player feels that he has improved again since then, a theory supported by his success against Harlequins when he was successful eight times from nine opportunities.

"I worked with the ex-Bristol fly-half Mark Tainton for a time. He has subsequently started his own business and I don't see him anymore but what I learnt from him I brought forward in terms of working on rhythm and technique. Confidence also plays a part.

"With Bristol there is the pressure to be successful with every kick. We are not going to get too many opportunities in a game so I have to make sure that we don't spurn any. Obviously I will miss but I do have a high success rate. This, along with my defence, are the two areas that I targeted for improvement."

Burke concedes that he is "frustrated" at not being involved in the Irish squad, outlining a further disadvantage in playing with a club struggling at the bottom of Division One. "Brian (Ashton) and Pat (Whelan) have watched Bristol a couple of times this season but you really do have to be lucky in the games to which they come along.

"There is nothing more frustrating than knowing that they are at a match only for you to find yourself without the ball for most of the afternoon. Proving that I can tackle is hardly going to cut much ice when they are looking for creativity at out-half.

"Humphs (David Humphreys) has his foot in the door at the moment, but it's a case of in and out like yo-yos at out-half on the Irish team. My priority is obviously to force my way back into contention. I want to play in the Five Nations Championship, I want to go to South Africa during the summer."

In realising these goals, Burke may first have to prove himself, again, at A level, a task he relishes. "Sitting on the bench for the senior side is a honour but wouldn't do much to advance my claims. I need to play. Brian (Ashton) has said that he will pick the form players. For now I must concentrate on performing for Bristol. The next six months are very important."

Burke's form in recent weeks demands an opportunity to try and add to his 10 caps. The next step may be taken at Donnybrook against Scotland A on February 6th.