Andy Farrell believes Caelan Doris is only going to get better despite his Player of the Match performance in Ireland’s Summer Nations Series opener.
Doris scored two tries as Ireland began their Summer Nations Series campaign with a 33-17 win against Italy at the Aviva Stadium.
It continues a fine year for the 25-year-old, who was also named Player of the Match in Ireland’s 32-19 win against France in the Guinness Six Nations, and nominated for Player of the Championship.
But Farrell says there is more to come and believes the back row star to grow into one of his key leaders on the field.
“I’m sick of him getting man of the match,” joked Farrell.
“He just keeps getting better and better. We all know he’s good at jackalling and good over the ball and I don’t know whether he took that through the roof because he had a number seven on his back.
“He epitomises what we’re trying to do as far as the player being in control of his own mind.
“It doesn’t really matter whether he makes a mistake or two, he just gets on with the next job the whole time.
“He’s playing extremely well but he’s certainly growing as far as his leadership role is concerned as well. He’s coming on leaps and bounds.”
Not everything was perfect for Ireland, with full-back Jimmy O’Brien, scrum-half Craig Casey and No.8 Jack Conan all forced off with injury.
Conan was seen wearing a protective boot after the game but Farrell was cautiously optimistic the injuries are not too bad.
“Jimmy’s shoulder has shut down a little bit, it’s something he’s had in the past. Jack lost power in his foot, he seems OK,” he said.
“Craig had a tight back which was making his hamstring cramp. They were taken off as precautions more than anything.”
Ireland next face England on August 19.
