Keith Earls backed to bounce back after missing out for club and country

Keith Earls is now in the autumn of his career, just two Ireland caps shy of 100.

But he faces a battle to become just the eighth Irish player behind Johnny Sexton, Brian O'Driscoll, Ronan O’Gara, John Hayes, Cian Healy, Paul O’Connell and Rory Best to become a centurion.

Having made his debut in 2008, he is Ireland's top World Cup try-scorer and has 35 international tries.

And he started all five games the last time Ireland won the championship, the Grand Slam of 2018.

Only last summer he scored a try in the first Test against New Zealand and came on as a replacement as Ireland completed a series win in the final game.

However, injury problems ruled the Limerick man out of both the 2022 Six Nations and autumn internationals.

So now, at 35, he faces a battle to get back in Andy Farrell’s plans as Ireland bid for a Six Nations title.

He faces stiff competition from James Lowe and Mack Hansen, while Bundee Aki has been preferred on the bench, despite Earls’ ability to also play in the centre. Jordan Larmour and Jimmy O’Brien are also gunning for involvement.

But first Earls has to get back into the Munster panel, where he has been out of favour in recent times.

The 2009 Lions tourist played in the New Year derby win over Ulster but was absent for the Champions Cup ties against Northampton and Toulouse.

Having missed out on the match-day panels for both the Wales and France ties, and been released from Ireland’s mini-camp this week, Earls will be eager to get some game time on board against Ospreys in Friday evening's BTK URC clash (7.35pm).

Munster attack coach Mike Prendergast was asked about how Earls, who when fit, would not be accustomed to the roll of tackle-bag carrier, was reacting.

He told RTÉ Sport: "Naturally every