Kidney has his players down in Limerick this week as they step up their preparations for the three-match series, which begins against Australia at Croke Park on Sunday week.

In ironing out the captaincy issue, the Grand Slam-winning coach heaped praise on O'Driscoll, who has captained his country full-time since 2004, while also commending others in the Irish squad for their leadership skills.

"Paul (O'Connell) has captained the Lions and captained Munster quite well, Donncha (O'Callaghan) has captained the Lions and Ronan (O'Gara) has captained the Lions. Ronan has captained with Munster and Ireland also," he said.

"In Brian's case, he brings a lot of experience to it, like the other lads would do, he is motoring well at the moment so we just felt it prudent (to pick him).

"It's been a long time since we were together, six or seven months, so, for continuity and for a whole host of reasons really, we decided to stay with him."

But Kidney stressed the captaincy issue is treated on a series-by-series basis and a new skipper could yet be installed for Ireland's defence of their RBS 6 Nations title in the spring.

"It's like we dealt with it last year, it is just on a series-by-series basis,” he continued.

“That helps in Brian's case, too, as it doesn't heap pressure on him for a whole year and allows him to come in and be captain and then just get on with his game in December and January.

"We will see him again come February but I think any one of a host of guys could actually do that."