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"Contrasting styles" - Andrew Trimble on McCloskey and Payne centre dilemma for Schmidt

Andrew Trimble says there is "more to come" from his Ireland and Ulster colleague Stuart McCloske...



"Contrasting styles" -...
Rugby

"Contrasting styles" - Andrew Trimble on McCloskey and Payne centre dilemma for Schmidt

Andrew Trimble says there is "more to come" from his Ireland and Ulster colleague Stuart McCloskey and feels that the "contrasting style" with Jared Payne gives Joe Schmidt options in the way he wants to play.

McCloskey made his international test debut at centre in the last Six Nations match against England and is tipped by some to start against Italy this Saturday.

Speaking at today's Ireland team press conference, Trimble says he's happy with how McCloskey has taken to things.

"In typical Stuart style, a big step up like that at Twickenham against England, and I think he stepped up very well and took it in his stride. He's very capable, he's very confident, he knows what he's capable of producing on the pitch and we've seen glimpses of it and I think there's more to come as well," he said.

Jared Payne, who missed the defeat in London against the English, has been recalled to the squad after recovering from a hamstring injury which leaves head coach Joe Schmidt with a selection headache in midfield after McCloskey impressed in the absence of his Ulster team-mate.

Winger Andrew Trimble says it could come down to what type of game-plan Ireland want to use against Italy.

"Obviously Jared gives us another option in the midfield and he's a quality player. I've played with him for a few years now and obviously you've got two very contrasting styles with Jared and Stu. So it depends on the type of rugby Joe wants to play," he said. 

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