Fleet-footed Fitzgerald has feet on ground

Ireland's youngest squad member has the maturity to keep his meteoric rise in perspective, writes John O'Sullivan

The wide-eyed innocence that occasionally peppers Luke Fitzgerald's conversation, unaffected and boasting a sharp sense of humour, contrasts sharply with the focus he employs on the pitch. There is nothing accidental about his presence in Leinster's Heineken European Cup squad or his elevation to the Ireland set-up for the November Test series.

A schoolboy last year - he just turned 19 last month - he's made remarkable strides, gargantuan, but there is nothing remotely fortuitous.

He is a prodigiously talented player who boasts the priceless attributes of a voracious work ethic and the ability to listen.

Part of Leinster's match squad last week, he is likely to fulfil a similar role in Edinburgh on Sunday. But first he's been asked to explain a progression that would make any young player's head spin.

"It's all new to me coming straight from school but I'm really enjoying it. It's a great opportunity for me to learn from some of the best backs in the world and to learn a lot from Knoxy (David Knox) and Checks (Michael Cheika). I've an awful lot to learn.

"It was pretty unbelievable. I haven't thought about it too much since. The pace (of the matches) was totally different from school, a different level. It was a bit of a fright, to be honest. I'm getting more used to the pace of the game.

"Three months ago (my ambition) would have been to get involved in a few A games and a few Magners League games. I'm happy how I am progressing but I still have an awful lot to learn. I'm just really enjoying this opportunity."

His reaction to a call-up to the national squad illustrates a maturity that will help him to cope over the next 12 months in particular.

"I was really surprised but delighted to get the call. To be honest I haven't thought about it too much. All eyes on this weekend and I'll think about it after that.

"I actually got a text when I was asleep. I wasn't too happy at the time but when I realised what it said I was delighted.

"It's been pretty easy. I've put it to the back of my mind and that's where it will stay until after the weekend. There's more important things to think about."

Fitzgerald has the facility to prioritise and zone in, the better to avoid being distracted by his new-found status.

"You just have to stay focused on the small things and keep building. I'm thinking about weights or my speed; if you get too focused on the bigger picture and not on the smaller things, you could go off the beaten track. At the moment I have very good support and I think I'm doing okay so far."

It's a view endorsed by Leinster coach Michael Cheika: "The one thing I'd say about Luke and Rob (Kearney) before him last year, as new entries into the squad, is that they are very mature. They understand what's going to make them good players and they know they're not great players yet.

"They have talent and they know what they need to do and they don't shy away from the work ethic, both of them.

"He (Luke) is prepared to pay attention to the small details because he knows that's what will make him a good player. There's no real parenting. If he wants advice, he gets advice. If he doesn't want advice, I give him advice anyway. They're pretty easy to handle and have their feet on the ground."

A son of the former international prop Des, Luke has no idea how he ended up with the lithe physique of a back but does appreciate his father's advice: "He's been there and done it all, so it's great to have someone there who's so close to you, but at the same time it's my own journey and I have got to find my own way."

His short-term ambition is simply to play: "I'll play wherever I'm picked. At Leinster it's so competitive as you have a whole international backline there. If I can get any game time on the pitch I'll be delighted. I would see myself as a fullback. That would be my favourite position."

LUKE FITZGERALD

Position: fullback/centre/wing

Club: Blackrock College

Province: Leinster

Age: 19

Height: 6ft 1in

Weight: 86kg

Official Leinster caps: 6

Senior debut: Celtic League v Edinburgh (September 8th, 2006)

Celtic League appearances: 6

European Cup appearances: 0

Leinster U-19 Schools caps: 3

Ireland Schools caps: 3

Leinster Schools caps: 4