Paddy Jackson is a ‘leader’ and will step up to the mark, says Andrew Trimble

Paddy Jackson has still to play one minute of Six Nations rugby this year, but his Ulster colleague Andrew Trimble believes the out-half is nonetheless well down the road to reaching the standards of Ireland playmaker Jonathan Sexton.

Jackson, who made his Test debut back in 2013 under Declan Kidney, has had to bide his time under Joe Schmidt with the New Zealander preferring the versatility of Ian Madigan on the bench though the Leinster man has enjoyed far less time at 10 with his province.

The 24-year old Ulster star has been in tremendous form for his province this season and it is inconceivable he will not be afforded some chunk of time over the course of the home meetings with Italy and Scotland in the weeks to come.