O'Connell has his eye on the World Cup prize

Paul O’Connell hopes to guide Ireland to World Cup glory in 2015 in what potentially could be the end of his career.

The Ireland captain is confident of a strong showing in England next year after a fine autumn campaign.

“We certainly have a chance,” the 35-year-old Munster second row told the Irish Independent.

“We have shown that we can beat anyone on our day. We still don’t have the strength in depth of the southern hemisphere nations, so there are certain things that will have to go our way – but I think we have the potential to win a World Cup.”

On his own future, O’Connell added: “I don’t really know how long I can keep on going for – I want to play in the next World Cup and want to be in the best possible shape. I am still undecided if I will play on after the World Cup.

“It’s something that plays on my mind a little bit. I don’t dread the day, but I don’t think it was ever my intention to keep on playing this long.

“I certainly won’t be putting my hand up for Lions selection in 2017 – I’ll be long gone from the game, believe me.”