When it comes to Irish rugby players who can consider themselves unfortunate not to have more international caps, Stuart McCloskey is right at the top of the list.
The Ulster centre has been an incredibly consistent performer at provincial level for the best part of a decade, also usually playing well for Ireland when given the opportunity. However, he has often found it difficult to break into the test side.
Much of that has been down to the position he plays, with Garry Ringrose, Bundee Aki, and Robbie Henshaw having all been mainstays in the squad for the majority of his career.
McCloskey was given a rare Six Nations start yesterday, with the 31-year old playing brilliantly in the win over Italy. It was his 16th cap in green.
READ HERE: Matt Williams Developing Concerns About Jack Crowley's Place In Ireland Team
Stuart McCloskey speaks on lack of Ireland caps under Joe Schmidt
While he has never managed to nail down a spot in the Ireland team, Stuart McCloskey is now content with the career he has forged for himself. That has not always been the case, especially during Joe Schmidt's time in charge of the team.
There were periods where the Dungannon man felt that he was unfairly being overlooked under the Kiwi coach.
Speaking after yesterday's game, he admitted that he is not enjoying his Ireland career. In saying that, he feels that both he and Schmidt share some of the blame for the fact that he was not given more opportunities in years gone by.
It probably took me until I was 28, 29 to realise it's not about me either.
I'd have loved to have got a better crack at the whip when I was 23 with Joe here but obviously we didn't see eye to eye and my face probably didn't fit.
It was probably a bit on me as well, it's not all on him, but thankfully [Andy Farrell] brought me back in and I got my opportunity through playing well provincially and guys getting niggles here and there, and showing that I can achieve at this level.
Like it takes you a while to get over your own ego, doesn't it?
You're 23 and playing well for your province and not getting picked at international level and you think it's the coach's fault, there's probably a bit of that in there.
I don't think it was all me now, it was probably less me, but, listen, it's not the end of the world.
I'm pretty happy with where I am now and really happy with the opportunities I've been given over the last two or three years and with how good Andy has been to me.
It remains to be seen how prominently Stuart McCloskey will feature for Ireland over the next few years, although he certainly seems ready to take any opportunities that come his way.
SEE ALSO: Alcohol-Free Zones Led To Some Farcical Scenes At Twickenham Six Nations Clash
