How did you feel receiving the Man of the Match Award against Australia?
I was very honoured, even though anyone in the Ireland team could have won it.  It was an all-round team performance from 1 to 22, and I don’t know why I was particularly singled out.

You were named as part of the Sunday Times World XV last Sunday.  How does that feel?
I was very surprised.

After your performances, do you feel confident about making the Ireland squad for next year’s Six Nations and the Rugby World Cup?
If I am continuing to play well, then I am confident that I am in with a shout.  If I play well for Ulster, then Eddie O’Sullivan will pick on current form. 

What do you think Ireland’s chances are for the Six Nations?  And who do you think will be Ireland’s main challengers?
Ireland are being tipped as favourites for the Six Nations on present form.  We beat two southern hemisphere teams convincingly, and had a big win over the Pacific Islanders.  There is certainly a lot of strength in depth in the Ireland squad and I think we have a good chance in the Six Nations.  But there are still two months to go, and a lot could happen yet.  If the Six Nations took place next week, then that would be great for Ireland.  I think if we keep injury-free and can keep a settled team, then we have a very good chance.  I think Wales will be also challenging, as Welsh rugby is strong at the moment.

What do you put the success of Ireland this autumn down to?
Self belief, the strength in depth of the squad, our work ethic, being smart footballers and attacking teams where we have identified they are vulnerable.  Plus not capitulating at all during the matches.

How did it feel to be part of a larger Ulster contingent in this autumn’s Ireland squad?
It was really good.  The more Ulster guys who are there, the more comfortable, at ease and at home you feel.  We all get on well, and with more guys in the squad you know, you don’t feel as much of an outsider.

Did you feel more part of the Ireland squad this time?
This is my third time as part of the Ireland squad – last year’s autumn internationals, the tour to New Zealand and Australia, and this year’s autumn internationals.  I  was more involved this time, and felt more comfortable.  I have got to know the guys fairly well, and everyone mixes well.

You were part of the squad for the very last international matches at the current Lansdowne Road.
Because I have only played there a few times, I can’t miss it as much as some of the guys who have played there for years.  However, the Leinster vs Ulster match at Lansdowne Road on New Year’s Eve should be a great send off for the stadium, with two quality teams and a big crowd.  It should be a great spectacle.

How will you feel about playing against some of your Ireland team-mates this weekend against Leinster?
It will be no problem.  I know that a lot of the players are good and I respect them.  But they are the opposition.  It is a professional game and you put your friendships aside to concentrate on the rugby.

Are you looking forward to getting back to playing for Ulster?  Will you find it difficult to slot back into the Ulster squad after over a month away with Ireland?
Yes – definitely!  I am looking forward to taking on Leinster.  They beat us home and away last season, and it is our chance for revenge.  It is an important match in the race for the Magners League title.  It is hard to settle back in after being away from the squad.  Tweaks will have been made to the game plan.  But having watched videos and done my homework, it will be an easy transition.

There are some big matches coming up in December for Ulster – both in the Magners League and Heineken Cup.
It will be a key month for Ulster.  We have to put our Christmas celebrations on hold, what with important matches against Leinster home and away, Connacht at home and London Irish home and away.  However, a professional sport dictates that your holidays are not your own, and that work comes first.  I am confident that if we prepare well, analyse ourselves and the opposition, we have the personnel to beat most teams.

Finally, you have had a successful autumn.  You seem both physically and mentally stronger as a player.
Physically, I feel that I have changed and have become much stronger.  Ulster’s fitness trainer, Phil Morrow is one of the best around.  He spends a lot of time and gives so much attention to detail on players, and has such a professional approach to working with the players.  I think at 27, I am now more mature, and have more self-control and discipline.  I am a more intelligent footballer, thinking of the bigger picture, not letting any personal issues get in the way of my rugby, and now think I am setting an example to the younger players.