O'Sullivan backs 'solid' Dempsey

Eddie O’Sullivan insists the solidity offered by Girvan Dempsey outweighs his perceived lack of attacking talent in a position the Ireland coach compares to a goalkeeper.

Dempsey has nudged aside Geordan Murphy to reclaim the full-back duties during this year’s Six Nations and produced his finest display yet in the 43-13 win against England.

The 31-year-old Leinster three-quarter will win his 73rd cap at Murrayfield on Saturday and O’Sullivan revealed his calm authority is appreciated by his team-mates.

He said: “I’ve always been a fan of Girvan’s. I’ve made no secret about that. As a full back he ticks all the boxes.

“He’s a very consistent player. Whether he has the football or not he’s a superb tackler and his positional sense is excellent.

“You rarely see him let a ball bounce because he always tends to be in the right position. He reads the game very well.

“Going forward, he takes stick for not being able to do x, y or z, but he’s very consistent with the ball, rarely losing it and running good lines.

“Full-backs are like goalkeepers. It’s great if they’re exciting but if they’re too exciting it can be a worry.

“Girvan is a very solid, consistent player. That’s what the 14 guys in the team want. They want someone who will deal with things.

“That’s what you need from your international full-back and Girvan does that. He has his critics but has been very consistent for Ireland.

“He rarely has a poor match and is understated, but he had a magnificent game against England.

"He’s in good form and produces on a weekly basis.

“Girvan is a very good professional. He works extremely hard on every aspect of his game, whether it’s his fitness skills, handling or defence.

“Some players improve more spectacularly, having a good year and bursting ahead, but Girvan has been more consistent in his approach.”

After Scotland, Dempsey should also retain the number-15 jersey for Ireland’s Six Nations finalé against Italy on March 17.

He could be one of the senior players rested for the summer tour to Argentina with O’Sullivan revealing he will use the two-Test trip to experiment.

He said: “The Argentina tour will have a role to play in development in the way the autumn internationals did, and probably more so.

“There might be an opportunity against Argentina to give guys some Test time. We have established our starting 15 and 22.

“Now we must supplement that to make up the 30 for the World Cup. There are places up for grabs and Argentina will play a part of that.

“But for the Six Nations it’s important to play our strongest side in every game. It’s our bread and butter and benchmark for the year.”