Eddie ponders the O’Gara dilemma

THE Irish coach, Eddie O’Sullivan, is looking forward to welcoming back stalwarts Malcolm O’Kelly, Simon Easterby and Frankie Sheahan for the autumn international series of games.

But, knowing all three for what they have achieved and what they are, O’Sullivan’s main wish must surely be to see a challenger emerge to make life difficult for Ronan O’Gara, and life easier for Ireland.

O’Gara, the top man and automatic out-half choice, will need to be wrapped in cotton wool these next few months as Ireland prepare for a Six Nations championship and World Cup — because there is no apparent successor.