Easterby backs Fitzgerald at 13

Leinster team manager Guy Easterby reckons Luke Fitzgerald could fill the void left by Brian O'Driscoll once the Ireland legend retires.

Leinster team manager Guy Easterby is backing Luke Fitzgerald to fill the void left by Brian O'Driscoll once the legendary Ireland centre retires.

The 26-year-old back, who has had his career slowed in pace due to injury, came on to replace O'Driscoll against New Zealand last weekend.

And Easterby believes Fitzgerald could be the long-term solution to replacing the Ireland thirteen, saying he has all the tools to succeed.

“We're looking for a long-term successor to Brian and Luke's got to be right up there in terms of the queue,” he told RaboDirectPRO12.com.

“He's got the skills set for there. Defensively, he's very sound. Physically, he's really sound. He's got a great passing game as well, great feet. He's got everything that a top 13 needs.

“What he probably needs is some game-time there. He's played a good bit on the wing throughout his career and a bit at full-back, as well as spending a bit of time at 13-stroke-12.

“He certainly has the ability to do it.”