Jimmy O'Brien is hoping that his versatility will stand to him when Ireland head coach Andy Farrell decides on his final Rugby World Cup squad later this week.
The Irish coach isn't officially due to name his squad until Monday, but it's expected he'll finalise his panel before this weekend's game against Samoa in Bayonne.
On Saturday, Farrell said he was yet to decide whether he would inform his players about squad selection before or after the game, and O'Brien says the coach is keeping his cards very close to his chest.
"He hasn't given us anything, we just heard the same as you about whenever the official announcement is so we haven't heard anything yet," O'Brien said, speaking from Ireland's camp in Biarritz on Tuesday.
"You're not even thinking about that, to be honest. You're just trying to get on with it.
"To be honest, it's not really talked about. Lads aren't saying, 'Oh, it's getting picked whenever', or whatever it is. Everyone's kind of focused on the game this week.
"Whoever gets picked, I'm sure will play well. And then the lads preparing them will prepare them the best they can to play against Samoa.
"So it's not really a talking point at the moment.
Whenever Farrell does finalise his playing group, the 26-year-old O'Brien is widely expected to be in it, after an assured start to his international career.
The Leinster back has only played six Tests for Ireland, but showed real maturity with how he settled into the centre on debut against South Africa when brought in for the injured Stuart McCloskey.
O'Brien has since started games for Ireland at both full-back and wing, and his versatility across the backline looks like it could be invaluable across the World Cup.
"I suppose I do [think versatility is an advantage]. Obviously, I've played a good few positions at this stage, now, and I think they kind of trust me in a few.
"Hopefully, it helps when they pick the squad but I'm not sure."
And with so much of his game time spread across the backline, the former Ireland Sevens international says his preferred position can change with the wind.
"When I started off I was a 13, I used to say that [was my favourite]. Then I used to say 15. To be honest, I don't really mind at this stage.
"I don't think I change too much how I play. It's mainly in defence that changes a bit with 15, wing and 13. But, wherever I can get on the pitch, I'll play it, there's no real kind of preference.
"The depth of the squad in every position, you need the next man up. I've played 15 a couple of times. Hugo's helped me out massively and the two of us talk about it a good bit, about the position, and try and help each other out. It's important having someone (covering) in every position, I think.
"I think it's a dream of any young lad growing up playing rugby in Ireland. I obviously watched World Cups, everything like that. To be honest, years ago, I'd never have thought I'd be this close to making it. So, yeah, it'd be a big dream of mine.
"I'm just trying to fit into the team and do what I do well, not trying to go off on your own. I think that's the opposite way of going about it. We talk about being the best version of yourself and that's how everyone else around you is going to play well. I'll just try to do what I do well for Leinster and in the previous games I've played for Ireland, and hopefully that gets me picked."
Watch live coverage of Ireland v Samoa on Saturday 26 August on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player, listen to live commentary on RTÉ Radio or follow a live blog on RTÉ.ie and the RTÉ News app.
