Influential fly-half Ronan O’Gara is refusing to look beyond this Saturday’s crucial Six Nations match with Scotland despite being touted as a certainty for this summer’s British & Irish Lions tour of New Zealand.
"I am not thinking that far ahead – I don’t think anyone can," O’Gara said.
"I was in the squad in Australia in 2001, and it would be a massive achievement to be involved again. All I am concerned about now though is doing well for Munster and Ireland."
The 27-year-old, who is likely to shoulder much of Ireland’s attacking burden should injury doubts Brian O’Driscoll and Gordon D’Arcy not make it to Murrayfield, is banking on clear skies over Edinburgh as his side strive for a second win in the space of six days.
O’Gara, who overcame an error-strewn opening against Italy to kick 13 points, said: "A lot will depend on the conditions. I think if we get a dry day that will bring our backs into play, but if it’s wet and windy everything will change.
"The last two times we have gone to Murrayfield we have managed to get in among the tries, which you have to do against the Scots as they always kick their penalties, and make it difficult for you.
"They have started the championship well. Losing as they did against France, they are sure to be even more determined to beat us at home. Especially as we have had the edge on them in recent years.
"Both sides have a lot to play for and personally, I just want us to perform
– if we do, we should win."
The Munster half-back, who should chalk up a half-century of caps against England on February 27, added: "I was under pressure early on against the Italians and struggled to find touch, but I was pleased with how we came back and scored three tries.
"It’s a good pointer that even if we are not firing on all cylinders, we can still score well."
O’Gara’s form has been key to his province’s elevation to a seventh straight European Cup final.
His autumn form also saw him account for all of Ireland’s points in their morale-boosting wins over South Africa and Argentina, and although last Sunday’s 28-17 success over Italy saw him slightly off the boil, O’Gara seems a certain Lions tourist this summer.
