Mike Prendergast wants Ireland hopefuls to put 'best foot forward'

Ireland 'A' head coach Mike Prendergast says this summer's Lions tour will open the door to senior caps for a number of hopefuls.

Ireland boss Andy Farrell is taking charge of the Lions for their three-Test tour of Australia and given the current form of the Six Nations champions, they are likely to form the bulk of his travelling party.

Those who don't make the cut will head off on a summer tour that takes in Tests against Georgia and Portugal.

They will be joined by those who impress interim boss Simon Easterby and the trials start in earnest when the 'A' team take on England 'A' on Sunday in Bristol.

Only six of the 29-man squad named last Sunday have senior caps although it's possible they may be reinforced by players who don't make the 23 for Saturday's Six Nations game against Wales, which was announced this morning.

"Well that's the thing. The opportunities could arrive, depending on what happens with the Lions," said Prendergast, moonlighting from his day job as Munster's attack coach.

"I’m sure we’ll have some players going, maybe a bulk of players.

"And that will open opportunity, potentially for players in this group or even players who might have a very strong end to the season, that aren't in this group at the moment.

"But the big thing about this week is giving them the opportunity and they have the opportunity to set themselves up to perform on Sunday.

"Collectively, we spoke about the opportunity for the player during the week to prepare himself as good as he can, both on and off the pitch, going back to connecting with people, aligning, knowing their role, knowing their job.

"And we were just talking about it there, as a staff, how well the lads have came in and put their best foot forward.

"So the big point from