Interview: John O'Sullivan talks to Ian Humphreys, whose career is progressing in the right direction at the Leicester Tigers.

There's a dearth of talented young outhalves in Ireland. It's a familiar refrain and one on a superficial level that's applicable in the context of the national side. David Humphreys's decision to retire from Test rugby following a wonderful career in which he served his country with great distinction isolates Ronan O'Gara.

Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan might be tempted to cosset the Munster outhalf, put him in bubble wrap and take him out only sparingly.

Professional sport doesn't allow that luxury so he may offer a silent prayer or two that O'Gara stays injury free.

It's far from an ideal situation on several levels. Competition is healthy and fosters a good team ethic. No single player should be unimpeachable, above reproach if form suggests otherwise.

According to current selection criteria the Wasps playmaker Jeremy Staunton will probably accompany O'Gara on the summer tour to New Zealand and Australia.

Ireland though are also committed to the Churchill Cup, a development tournament in the United States and Canada in June.

Despite largely playing everywhere but outhalf with his province, Paddy Wallace might be the frontline number 10 with Leicester-based Ian Humphreys worthy of a plane ticket.

Having played sevens with Ireland to great effect and AIB League rugby with Ballymena and then Belfast Harlequins, Humphreys - he is David's younger brother - decided last summer to take up an offer of a one-year deal with the Leicester Tigers.

"It seemed like a great opportunity to develop as a player and if things didn't work out I could always return home. I suppose that I didn't have any great expectations but have loved every minute of my time here. I have learnt so much about myself as a person and a player."

A week shy of his 24th birthday, Humphreys signed a new one-year deal last month, and is looking forward to a second season as a full-time professional.

He has played 10 matches for the Leicester development team in the Guinness A League (second teams), started three games and come on in another two matches for the full Leicester Tigers side.

"Pat Howard (Leicester coach) has been brilliant. I've learnt so much from him and being surrounded by quality players.

"He has given me a greater awareness about what I should be doing on the pitch, how to read the game and then working on whatever skill deficiencies I have. It's almost like being retaught the basics.

"This was the first season that I had in full-time training. Physically and mentally I have developed and it's been very enjoyable.

"I've been working with Neil Back on my defence. Playing in the Guinness A Premiership with the development team was a huge step up in standard from the All Ireland League.

"You end up playing with the likes of (England internationals) Ben Kay, Lewis Moody and Ollie Smith at various stages when they are coming back from injury. Our average home gates for those matches are between 8,000 and 9,000 supporters so it carries its own pressure."

It's easy to discern, in tracing his progress through match reports on the club website, that Humphreys has largely excelled for the development team. He possesses great pace, flair and a brilliant sidestep and is a decent place-kicker: think a slightly rawer version of his elder brother and you've got the picture.

It's not all been Hollywood.

"My last two starts (on the first team) didn't go well. Conditions weren't great but that doesn't excuse my performances. It was very frustrating and I was disappointed that I didn't take my chance. Pat (Howard) sat down and spoke to me about what went wrong. He didn't abandon me to my own frustration.

"He spoke about the need to impose myself on the game and we went through the video about certain situations and what I need to do. He was supportive.

"I'm used to getting plenty of front-foot ball with the development team but I'm happy I've learnt from the experiences."

Humphreys is effusive in attributing his development to the time he spent playing sevens on the international circuit with Ireland.

"It's great for young players and you can certainly transfer the skills over from the abbreviated game."

David has been on the phone, although not yet seen his younger brother play for Leicester in the flesh.

Ian smiles: "He's been hugely supportive, always has throughout my career. He's good with the advice and encouraged me to come here in the first place. He's a big influence on my career.

"I have set myself small goals. Obviously I'd love to be involved at representative level with Ireland but that's for others to decide."

This summer the Irish contingent at Leicester - which besides Humphreys includes Geordan Murphy, Leo Cullen, Shane Jennings and Johnny Murphy (out for the rest of the season with a cruciate injury) - will be augmented by the arrival of Gavin Hickie, Paul Burke and Frank Murphy.

Burke's presence will be offset by the departure of another outhalf at the club Ross Broadfoot.

Humphreys admitted: "I can understand why the club would be looking at bringing in another experienced outhalf but it doesn't change my goal. I have got to get past Andy Goode anyway and I'll only do that if I develop my game. It's down to me rather than who's in front of me."

Humphrey's certainly has the potential.