After missing the entire Six Nations due to a hamstring injury, Sean Cronin returned to action for Leinster at the weekend with a timely reminder of his abilities.
24 minutes into Leinster's win against Ospreys at the Liberty Stadium, Cronin took an offload from Robbie Henshaw on the wing. The hooker left Dan Biggar red-faced as he easily cruised past the Ospreys' out-half to touch down.
Ronan O'Gara was one of those to immediately praise Cronin, adding that the 30-year-old would be the perfect option off the bench for the Lions this summer.
That's why he will be the impact sub in each test vs NZ.. incredible feet and pace and power from Sean Cronin.
— Ronan O Gara (@RonanOGara10) April 8, 2017
Speaking on Tuesday, Cronin, quoted by the Irish Mirror, played down those suggestions.
The Limerick man said that it was good to receive plaudits from the likes of O'Gara but he still has realistic expectations about being included in Warren Gatland's squad when it is named next Wednesday.
Is he on the selection committee? I hope he is.
Look, with the whole Lions thing, I'd be chuffed and delighted if I was even in those conversations but it is good to have people like ROG plugging for you in the background.
I think I was at a decent level before Christmas and was going well but I'm just trying to work back to that and that is the focus.
I think the thought around picking the Lions squad is that he's looking for guys playing at the top of the test arena, that's the pool he is going to pick from.
Now if he goes to pick guys from outside that, happy days, and I'd be chuffed and flattered even if I was just in those conversations.
But it's just about trying to get back here and stay fit and play well.
Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
