Keatley: International success down to Munster form

The Munster No.10 has been a regular starter in the GUINNESS PRO12 this season - making 11 appearances and scoring 103 points.

Those showings have helped the Munstermen to third place in the table and Anthony Foley's troops sit just two points behind leaders Ospreys.

And with consistent performances comes international recognition as Keatley got the nod to replace the injured Jonathan Sexton for Ireland's clash with Italy on Saturday.

But Keatley knows the only way to stake a claim as Ireland's main man and oust Sexton permanently is to keep strutting his stuff at Thomond Park.

"The only way you're going to get into the Ireland team is playing well for your club and I suppose playing first-choice for Munster has helped me to get to where I am," he told the Irish Examiner.

"To be honest with you I've got a taste for it now and I want to keep working hard and stay up at this level.

"I had a little bit of a shaky first few minutes; understandably I was a bit nervous.

"Once I got that first kick, and then got myself into the game, I felt comfortable out there.

"I always find nerves are good things, it shows you care. If you're not nervous, there's something wrong with you. I was happy with how the game went. There were one or two things I can work on and hopefully improve."

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