Schmidt can call upon Tommy O'Donnell, O'Brien's replacement in Paris, who registered a game high 20 tackles and starts for Munster this weekend, while Rhys Ruddock is another back-row option, but Henry is eager to remind the Ireland coach of his quality.
Openside Henry started two 2015 Rugby World Cup games as well as every game of the title-winning 2014 Six Nations campaign, in which he ably filled the injured O'Brien's shirt, and he hopes those performances sit in the forefront of Schmidt's mind.
"I don't know how long Sean is going to be out for, but if there's a thing about Joe Schmidt, he rewards people who he trusts that haven't let him down," he said.
"Tommy O'Donnell hasn't let Joe down and Rhys Ruddock hasn't let Joe down, but I hope that he knows I've done a job for him in the past and I'm still there.
"It would be an amazing feeling to get back involved with Ireland at some stage."
Henry has been sidelined by a shoulder injury, but he hopes to banish any fitness doubts when he returns to action.
He added: "It's been a frustrating enough injury, one that has lingered, and now I have to try and get as much game-time as I can.
"I'm not battle hardened. In my position, you need to be in the mix and have those bumps and bruises. You can't just throw yourself back in but I'd love to think Joe is watching the game on Sunday."
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Guinness PRO12 Ulster News
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