Stuart McCloskey still harbours hope of featuring for Ireland in this year’s Six Nations.
After being forced to sit on from the sidelines since tearing a hamstring against Munster in December, McCloskey makes his return to the fold in Friday night’s Bank of Ireland challenge against the touring Queensland Reds.
“Yeah, if they need me. I’m there,” said a determined McCloskey.
“I suppose they guys are doing a good job. I’ll be happy to nip in if someone gets injured. I think Bundee (Aki) did that to me when we won it. I played the first three, he nipped in for the last two so I’ll happily do that.”
McCloskey knows that any call-up is still some way off, but he has admitted to keeping contact with the Irish coaches.
“Yes. I spoke to Simon Easterby around Christmas when I got injured. And then I spoke to Goody (Andrew Goodman) just before the squad was named. I just kind of left it to see when I get back but nothing concreate has been said.”
Tonight, also marks the returns of Jacob Stockdale and James Hume.
And McCloskey feels that tonight’s challenge marks the perfect opportunity for the trio to bring themselves all back up to speed.
“I would say there will be a bit of rust in there. It’s probably better that it’s a friendly but hopefully it will be a good game.
“Probably better it’s one of these games that a league game especially for James. He’s been out for nine months, ten months. And actually, Jacob it’s been three months as well so decent amount of time for them.
“It’s only been seven weeks for me. It’s been a while for them but it will be a decent old test for those lads to get the lungs burning.”
The absence of McCloskey and Hume left a huge void in the Ulster midfield with Richie Murphy being forced to field youngster Jude Postlethwaite a little more often than had been anticipated.
“He’s done brilliantly,” said McCloskey on Postlethwaite’s performances.
“For a guy of his age to step-up and basically play every game, I think it takes a toll on the body as well. It takes a lot getting used to. It’s hard coming in having played a few games of club rugby to go and play the professional game every week. You’ve definitely seen glimpses of a guy who can go on and play international rugby.
“Yeah, still some things to round out and tidy up, but at 21 he’s far beyond where I was at that age as well as playing 12 and 13 which he has done so well, it will be another string to his bow. I know he can jump on the wing as well if he needed to. But I’ve been very impressed.
“Same as Carsy (Ben Carson) coming in. People probably would’ve said he wouldn’t have played loads of minutes this year. But I would say he’s played over half the games. Done really at points.”
