Earls: I want to be more than a fringe player

KEITH EARLS batted away the suggestion that he is frustrated and pounded the point that he will do whatever he must for the good of the team, but there was an unmistakable sense yesterday that the Mr Versatile tag is weighing heavily on him.

Since his Munster debut over four years ago, the former St Munchin’s man has popped up at wing, centre and full-back for club and country and he has actually worn the 11, 15 and 13 shirts in his last three starts in green against Wales, England and France.

He has stated time and again that the only number he doesn’t want on his back is the dreaded 22 but accepted yesterday that his ability to fill so many niches can help in the push for a place on the squad while hindering a claim for a starting berth.