Steenson backed for Irish call-up

Editor

Exeter Chiefs centre Ian Whitten believes Ireland have missed a trick by overlooking team-mate Gareth Steenson as an option at fly-half.

Former Ulster back Whitten, who was capped twice by his country, has played alongside Steenson since making the move to England in 2012.

And he thinks the 31-year-old deserves an international call-up.

"There aren't that many good 10's in Ireland," he told BBC Sport.

"I have to say that Gareth Steenson's been very, very unlucky not to have been capped by Ireland."

He added: "I was lucky enough to get capped before I came over here.

"But similar to the English, although they don't openly say it, they don't like to pick guys playing outside of Ireland.

"That's fair enough, I accept that stance, and I enjoy playing here. I don't consider going back home as I didn't want to leave (the club)."