Fitzgerald: I want to be starting full-back, but I’d play prop if Johann asked

JOHANN VAN GRAAN intends drafting in several players for tomorrow’s clash with Ulster and one of those hoping to make the most of the chance is promising back-three prospect Stephen Fitzgerald.

His favourite position is full-back but the Limerick speedster is also an accomplished winger and would happily play in any slot Van Graan thinks he is good enough for.

“I’ll happily play on the wing if he selects me, I don’t mind but I’ve always played full-back and I feel that’s where I play my best rugby but if Johann selected me to play prop I’d have no problem playing there.

“Obviously the strength in depth we have in the back-three is huge. In my position you have Zeebs (Simon Zebo) and Andrew (Conway) and then JJ (Hanrahan), he has been playing there.

OPPORTUNITIES

“Opportunities have been a bit limited playing there but obviously when I do get the chance I need to take it with both hands and make the most of it.

“After the disappointment of last week all the squad want to do is to bounce back and there’s no better way to do it than with an inter-pro, especially against Ulster,” said the former Ireland U-20.

Tomorrow will be his fifth appearance of the season and, after missing last season through injury, he’s keen to make the most of it.

“I’ve been knocking on the door but I seem to be getting a few opportunities now and I know with Zeebs leaving and I know Mike (Haley) is coming in but all I can do is just keep playing as well as I can and then every time Johann gives you the chance I do take it.

“I do want to be the starting full-back for Munster and I have no problem saying that. That is my goal and ambition for the new few years and hopefully that happens.”

The former Limerick minor hurler has recently signed a one-year extension to his development contract.