OConnell was appointed skipper on Tuesday following Brian ODriscolls failure to recover from a hamstring injury and will lead out the Irish against France in the RBS 6 Nations Championship opener.

He was handed the job despite his lack of experience, both as a captain and international player.

But the 24-year-old revealed that has not prevented the likes of Kevin Maggs, Reggie Corrigan or Shane Byrne giving him their full support.

It was strange being picked for the captaincy ahead of others who are more experienced, but its happened and the guys have got right behind me, said OConnell, who will win his 16th cap.

You need to do something different to beat the French in Paris so maybe me being appointed skipper is it. But guys like Maggsy, Reggie and Shane are all chipping in and thats a good way to run a team.

Keith Woods retirement after the World Cup robbed Ireland of one of the games greatest leaders and OConnell revealed the team has adjusted to his absence.

He said: The senior guys have realised that Woody is no longer about to bark at people when things arent going right. When matches werent going well it was up to Woody to pull people aside and have a word.

Ill have a few words with the players before the game, but that will be it. The days of punching the walls before you go out onto the field are gone.

Some of the other lads will have something to say, so it will be a collective responsibility.