Fran Cotton, who managed the Lions party which won the Test series in South Africa two summers ago, has given a ringing endorsement to Donal Lenihan's credentials as a possible successor for the 2001 tour to Australia and New Zealand.

Lenihan, along with his English counterpart Roger Uttley, must be considered a front-runner for a post which is likely to be filled early next year, at the latest. Cotton said yesterday: "Donal Lenihan would be an excellent choice.

"He was a very good selector, he is involved with the Irish team, he's been on two Lions tours and he's an intelligent man who's done well in his business. I don't think there would be anyone better than Donal Lenihan."