Luke Marshall backs Stuart McCloskey to make Ireland Six Nations squad

Marshall hailed the “freakish” McCloskey as ready for his Test debut, ahead of Ireland boss Joe Schmidt naming his Six Nations training squad.

Uncapped centre McCloskey is expected to be named in Ireland’s squad on Wednesday, alongside fellow newcomers Garry Ringrose and CJ Stander.

Cornerstone props Mike Ross and Cian Healy should be selected in spite of both Leinster front-rowers facing a race against time to be fit for the opening fixture against Wales on Sunday, February 7.

“Stuart’s far bigger than any other centre at Ulster,” Marshall, who was the News Letter Kingspan MVP Ulster player of round five in Europe last week, said of provincial team mate McCloskey.

“And in Ireland, let alone Ulster, that’s freakish, we just don’t make centres that big.

“Yes he’s got the size, but he’s also got the skills to back that up.

“He’s got good hands, he’s quick and can kick too.

“I’d say he’s got the full package.

“And it’s not hard to see why he’s pushing for the international call now.”

Leinster’s highly-rated 20-year-old centre Ringrose should be another uncapped addition to Schmidt’s squad, while Munster flanker Stander is itching for action after completing his three-year residency qualification.

Six-cap centre Marshall should also feature in Ireland’s wider squad, boosting boss Schmidt’s midfield options after impressing in his move to 13 this term.

McCloskey, Ringrose and Marshall’s form could help Ireland offset the potential short-term loss of battering ram Robbie Henshaw, if the Connacht centre fails to beat his hand injury in time to face Wales.