'If it happens, it happens' - Josh van der Flier on Lions call-up
Josh van der Flier reckons he will be "training away", fully focussed on this weekend's BKT URC tie against Zebre when the Lions squad is announced tomorrow.
The Ireland flanker can rest easy.
Since missing out on Warren Gatland's touring party four years ago, Van der Flier has picked up European and World Rugby player of the year awards and two Six Nations titles, including a Grand Slam.
The 32-year-old has been one of Leinster and Ireland's most consistent performers and, but for the illegal intervention of a Northampton Saint on Saturday, would likely have scored a famous match-winning hat-trick try to get his side back into the Champions Cup final.
Andy Farrell will announce his squad tomorrow afternoon at 2pm and despite competition from the likes of Jack Conan, Jac Morgan, Tom and Ben Curry, Sam Underhill, Tom and Jack Willis, Ben Earl, Courtney Lawes and Northampton Saints bolter Henry Pollock, it would be a huge shock if the Wicklow man missed out.
"We have training on Thursday, so I'd say I'll be training away," Van der Flier told RTÉ Sport.
"I'm not sure how it's announced.
"I've heard of lads finding out on the TV. I assume it will be like that but I'm not really thinking too much about it, to be honest.
"I feel I've tried my hardest. I [decided] at the start of the season that I'd try not to have it in my mind too much, if it happens it happens.
"I'll be training away on Thursday, prepping for Zebre.
"Try to stay focussed on that [but] it would be a huge honour to be involved."
Van der Flier's team-mate, Leinster and Ireland skipper Caelan Doris, looks set to miss out with a shoulder injury that requires surgery.
The number 8 had been touted as a possible tour captain. Leinster expect more details on the extent of his injury and recovery time later this week.
The Lions begin their preparations with a game in Dublin on 20 June against Argentina, with the first of three Tests against Australia on 19 August.
"He's probably the best player in Ireland the last couple of years," said Van der Flier of Doris.
"He's been a brilliant captain; he's an amazing leader.
"What he does so well is he plays with such ferocity and intensity, but he's unbelievably calm in the way he communicates.
"It's always tough to see someone like that getting injured. Hopefully we'll be seeing him involved in the rest of the season."
Farrell will have been impressed with Pollock's performance at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday.
The 20-year-old Saints flanker was all-action, winning turnovers, conceding penalties, including one for barging into Van der Flier, and scoring the try of the game, a weaving run-in from 50 metres.
Van der Flier said: "There's a lot of talent. I suppose the way he plays the game; it suits the way they play.
"[He] comes up with some really big moments in attack and defence. He's not afraid to push the limits of the law, which is good.
"I mean, we would have seen the likes of Richie McCaw would have been very good at it, where you're happy to risk giving away penalties, but you obviously get the odd turnover as well.
"It's a balance, and he seems to have got away with it quite often.
"It takes a lot of risks, but it's fair play to him. He seems a great talent in fairness to him, and he's done well."
Meanwhile, Van der Flier has backed Sam Prendergast after the out-half was outshone by his Saints counterpart, Fin Smith, in the semi-final.
"Sam's been brilliant for us," said the back row, who has 73 Ireland caps.
"He's a good leader already among the group. He's unbelievably talented. I thought he did quite well on the weekend.
"He managed the game well. Just, I suppose, a few moments that let us down as a team.
"We probably let him down ourselves, I suppose.
"He's a tough fella and I think all of us have made mistakes on the weekend and all of us will want to be better again."
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