Ireland wing Calvin Nash believes competition for places has been key to the side’s strong start to the Six Nations.
Simon Easterby’s side are top of the table with 10 points from 10 available after bonus-point wins over England and Scotland.
The Munster man scored his third Test try in Murrayfield as Ireland secured a 32-18 victory on Sunday.
He had sat out the win over England in round one of this year’s competition, but came into the starting side to play Scotland after Mack Hansen was ruled out through injury.
The 27-year-old started every game of the championship last season, as well as both summer Tests in South Africa, but did not play a minute of four games in November.
“Being out of the squad is tough, especially when you’re close and training the whole time with them,” he said.
“Probably the start of the Six Nations as well, I wanted to put my best foot forward and try to get in and obviously there’s a bit more disappointment not getting selected.
“But I think with this team, as long as the competition is pushing everyone forward and the team is going in the right direction, I can slot in or anyone can slot in. It’s probably a good sign of the squad.”
Nash scored twice in his province’s Investec Champions Cup win before the Six Nations and was “confident” he could make an impact against Scotland despite only learning he would start late in the week.
“It’s not my first game with the lads and the only thing you have to be over, really, is the moves. Other than that it’s just about playing rugby in the system, you just slot in,” he added.
“We all know the moves and that’s your job. At the end of the day I knew I was travelling and if there was one injury I could have been in, so it’s my job to just know everything and slot in.
“I’ve been confident in my ability being on the pitch, and I suppose the lead up to this camp has given me massive confidence as well. I’ve just been backing myself a bit more.”
