Brian O'Driscoll insists Matt Healy is good enough to be included in Joe Schmidt's Ireland squad ahead of their Six Nations clashes against Italy and Scotland later this month.
Speaking on Monday night's Off The Ball, O'Driscoll spoke about the qualities that Healy would bring to the side.
"I think we need more game-breaking players in our team" he began.
"I think we’ve got very solid players and guys that defensively are very sure of themselves but I really think we’re missing a trick in not having someone like Healy who is a pure out and out finisher.
"It’s exciting every time he gets the ball. I’m surprised he wasn’t in the squad in some capacity, even if it’s just for experience, let alone being in the matchday 23."
The Connacht winger has scored nine tries so far this season, more than any other player in the PRO12.
Healy crosses against Italian side Zebre. Image: ©INPHO/Francesca Soli
“I think he’s a guy that brings something that we don’t really have – to a certain degree Keith Earls is capable of those flashes of brilliance, and that pure electric nature of his game, but I think he (Healy) brings another level of it.
“I would like to see him involved, I think he’s earned the right at this stage with his performances for Connacht.”
Other players who have been successfully transitioned into the team so far this campaign have been Connacht teammate Ultan Dillane, Leinster's Josh van der Flier and Ulster's Stuart McCloskey.
Elsewhere today, Ulster centre Jared Payne didn't train with the rest of the Ireland squad as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury.
Instead, the 30-year-old completed a full session with the Irish medical staff and is now expected to be fully fit for their next outing against Italy on Saturday March 12.
Of the players who haven't been released back to their provinces for the weekend, scrum-half Conor Murray was the only player who didn't train today after receiving eight stitches just below his eye after last weekend's defeat to England at Twickenham.
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