The 32-year-old endured a torrid Lions campaign making just one Test appearance off the bench before seeing Jonathan Sexton replace him as Ireland first-choice No.10 during the autumn.

However O'Gara hasn't taken being overlooked lightly and underlined his quality during Munster's historic 37-14 Heineken Cup win over Perpignan at the Stade Aime Giral last month.

And with Munster set to face Treviso and Northampton in the same competition over the next two weekends O'Gara isn't expecting any more disappointment.

"I feel fresh. I feel good. I'm very much looking forward to the next two weeks, I can't wait for them," said O'Gara.

"Obviously, I was disappointed to be left out against South Africa during the autumn but that's another disappointment - I've had plenty of them.

"You have to come back stronger and better, and do your talking on the pitch and we'll see what happens come Six Nations time.

"But at the minute I'm in a happy camp and enjoying my rugby. I was just so pleased with the way the forwards performed against Perpignan.

"And that further instilled the hunger, desire, belief and competitiveness in me for a big few months."