And with a break in international fixtures this week, the 27-year-old will pull on the No.14 shirt as the reigning RaboDirect PRO12 champions welcome Newport Gwent Dragons.
McFadden knows competition for places on the Ireland wing in tough, with Andrew Trimble and Dave Kearney not putting a foot wrong two weekends in a row, but he is determined to get the nod from the start soon.
"I think the wings are probably the most competitive position now," he said. "It's about getting the best out of certain players.
"Trimby wasn't really in the mix come November but he put in some good performances and is now back in there.
"Tommy Bowe is injured and Simon Zebo and Craig Gilroy can't get in the squad. When you look at those quality players who can't get in it puts an emphasis on how competitive a position it is."
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