Jimmy O'Brien pleased to show off versatility for RWC place

Jimmy O'Brien is hoping that his versatility will stand to him when Ireland head coach Andy Farrell decides on his final Rugby World Cup squad later this week.

The Irish coach isn't officially due to name his squad until Monday, but it's expected he'll finalise his panel before this weekend's game against Samoa in Bayonne.

On Saturday, Farrell said he was yet to decide whether he would inform his players about squad selection before or after the game, and O'Brien says the coach is keeping his cards very close to his chest.

"He hasn't given us anything, we just heard the same as you about whenever the official announcement is so we haven't heard anything yet," O'Brien said, speaking from Ireland's camp in Biarritz on Tuesday.

"You're not even thinking about that, to be honest. You're just trying to get on with it.

"To be honest, it's not really talked about. Lads aren't saying, 'Oh, it's getting picked whenever', or whatever it is. Everyone's kind of focused on the game this week.

"Whoever gets picked, I'm sure will play well. And then the lads preparing them will prepare them the best they can to play against Samoa.

"So it's not really a talking point at the moment.

Whenever Farrell does finalise his playing group, the 26-year-old O'Brien is widely expected to be in it, after an assured start to his international career.

The Leinster back has only played six Tests for Ireland, but showed real maturity with how he settled into the centre on debut against South Africa when brought in for the injured Stuart McCloskey.

O'Brien has since started games for Ireland at both full-back and wing, and his versatility across the backline looks like it could be invaluable across the World Cup.

"I suppose I do [think versatility is an advantage].