Connacht boss Pete Wilkins says Finlay Bealham has given Andy Farrell a "neat challenge" when it comes to Ireland's next Guinness Six Nations match against Wales.
The tighthead prop started Sunday's win over Italy, playing 55 minutes and contributing to a 100% return from scrum and lineout.
In addition, the 32-year-old, who welcomed a baby son to his family last week, made five tackles and carried the ball seven times.
The Australian native replaced the 73-cap Tadhg Furlong in the starting line-up but the Leinster and Lions front row is expected to recover from a calf injury in time for the round-three match.
Ulster’s Tom O’Toole, who came on for Connacht's Bealham [pictured below], has also proven himself to be a reliable option
"I was delighted for Finlay, delighted he got the start," Wilkins told RTÉ Sport.
"I thought he really seized the opportunity, particularly around that scrum against an Italian pack that are strong in that area.
"I’d agree [that he’s put his hand up].
"It was obviously a massive week for him personally and to round it off with a performance like that, we were all delighted for him.
"What Finlay has shown off the bench consistently is that he belongs at that level, not that he can just survive at international level but that he can contribute to the team’s performance.
"When you are coming on in the second half or for the final quarter, there is always a context that’s prepared for you and you are hopefully contributing to that whereas that chance for him to start and impose himself on the game, it’s just a brilliant opportunity.
"The key challenge for him was to show that growth, expertise and maturity he’s now got around the set-piece but still maintain his impact and dynamism in general play, carrying the ball or linking in play or as a really dynamic defender, which he is for a tighthead prop.
"He managed to merge those things really well and he certainly didn’t look out of place.
"It’s a neat challenge for Andy Farrell in terms of how he uses all those tightheads."
The Connacht boss was unable to shed any more light on Bundee Aki’s "rumbling knee" injury, as described by Farrell last week.
"I’ve not had an update on it," said Wilkins. "I was aware he wasn’t going to be playing and a similar explanation. I don’t have any further details on that. I presume it’s all part of the bumps and bruises of the campaign."
Ireland sit top of the table after two rounds and are firm favourites for the championship and still on track to repeat last season’s Grand Slam.
Wilkins, whose Connacht side face a trip to Cardiff on Saturday, feels Ireland have bounced back well from the World Cup quarter-final loss and adapted to life after Johnny Sexton.
He added: "Ireland have shown their class. They are really clear on what the next chapter looks like for them.
"That was going to be the big challenge after the World Cup, not just lifting everyone emotionally, but actually working out what the next target is.
"You see from the intensity and the clarity they are playing with that they are all really aligned on that next step of the journey."
Meanwhile, Paul Boyle [face], Cathal Forde [shoulder] and Sean O'Brien [foot] have recovered from injuries and are available for selection.
Sean Jansen [shoulder] is also due to return to training today following an injury in the game against Lyon.
Shane Jennings [ankle] is progressing well following surgery after an injury in the same game, and he is targeting a return to selection availability against Scarlets in early March.
Also targeting a return for that game are John Porch [knee], Colm Reilly [ankle] and Diarmuid Kilgallen [thigh].
Oisin McCormack [thigh] and Dylan Tierney-Martin [neck] will be unavailable until mid/late March.
There are no new updates on Mack Hansen [shoulder] or Santiago Cordero [knee].
Watch a URC double-header, Leinster v Benetton (3pm) and Cardiff v Connacht (5.15pm) on Saturday from 2.30pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player
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