Stephen Ferris says Jack Carty's selection against Japan is a reward for his consistency of performance over the past year with both Connacht and Ireland.
The 27-year old Carty only made his international debut in late February, as a late replacement in Ireland's rather unconvincing victory over Italy in the Six Nations.
He has appeared eight times since then, impressing on each occasion, including a delightful performance on being introduced in the second half of Ireland's demolition of Scotland on Sunday.
Carty has been handed his second international start against Japan on Saturday, the first coming in the World Cup warm-up win over Wales in Cardiff late last month.
A few years back, there was a host of out-half candidates vying for the tag of understudy to Johnny Sexton, and the Athlone-born out-half has emerged from the pack to challenge Joey Carbery for the role.
Speaking on the RTÉ Rugby Podcast, Ferris argues that Carty has been the most "consistent" out-half in the Irish system across 2019 - including Johnny Sexton.
"I thought he was absolutely superb (against Scotland). He recognised the Scottish defence and what he was up against. He played heads up rugby at times. His kicking game was pretty solid, he looked half decent in defence when he was called upon.
"I would say Carty has been probably the most consistent out-half within the Irish system for the last year or so. He's been superb. Week in, week out, he's never really let his side down.
"The likes of Sexton... Johnny has had a couple of bad games over the last year or so. He's been out injured. He's been a little bit more inconsistent. Whereas Carty has been really, really steady.
"Against a Japanese team that are going to come out firing, they're going to bring huge support, maybe it is that steady hand that you need. Maybe it is that game management.
"I feel that he won't let Joe down. I'm really excited to see him go out there, starting a game and seeing how he manages the whole situation. It is such a big game. Japan are our biggest threat I feel in the rest of the group.
"But in saying that, I can't see a Japan team beating us the way the confidence and momentum is with the Irish team at the minute."
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