For the Lions number 10 spot

for the Liberty Stadium region over two seasons, has had his say on the Lions skipper.

Despite some bookmakers last week having stopped taking money on flanker Sam Warburton getting the top job, Marshall believes it would be the wrong choice to hand the Blues back-rower the captaincy for a second successive tour having given up the Welsh armband for the start of the Six Nations Championship.

The former scrum-half added: “One of the most important decisions Gatland has before naming his squad on April 19 is his selection of captain; to have a man who sets the culture, brings the team together and is an approachable person who everyone can relate to.

“He also has to be first choice in his position and I can’t think of anyone better than Irish hooker Rory Best.

“The talk is that Sam Warburton is one of the front runners but he will have enough challenges just making the test team.

“He has also relinquished the captaincy of Wales and looks better for it.

“Dylan Hartley is another one but, for me, there’s just too much controversy that comes with him.

“Ireland have had a hell of a season under Best.

“They beat the All Blacks for the first time ever, stopped England’s winning run and in my mind that points to a good captain the players like and respect.

“He’s a great hooker as well. At the basics of scrums and lineouts, he’s probably the best in the world.

“Best doesn’t seem to get flustered and there will be pressure on the Lions throughout the tour, referees, adversity and different conditions.

“That coolness is what you need on a tour here. Beating the All Blacks in New Zealand is the hardest thing to do in rugby, in my opinion, and Best will relish the challenge.”