Darren Cave says Cormac Izuchukwu could excel in international rugby after the uncapped Ulster forward was included in the Ireland squad for the four-match autumn series.
Andy Farrell named a 35-strong group for the November games in Dublin against New Zealand, Argentina, Fiji and Australia.
The versatile Izuchukwu, who can play in the second and back rows, has shot to prominence this year.
The 24-year-old did not get game-time in Ireland’s summer tour in South Africa but played for Emerging Ireland earlier this month.
“What’s good about the November series is you have four games and there’s opportunity to rotate,” said former Ireland and Ulster centre Cave.
“I fully expect Cormac to get capped and he has the profile of a player that could definitely excel in international rugby.”