Concerns over England's lack of a stand-out openside following the retirement of veteran Neil Back led to reports the world champions were courting O'Connor who would become eligible for them next year on residency grounds.

O'Connor - born and raised in Galway but yet to win his first cap for Ireland despite being the standout number seven in the British Isles - insisted no approach was made by England.

The 24-year-old also admitted he would have severe reservations about playing for Andy Robinson's side given his strong Irish roots and the decision to name him in the squad has settled the issue.

Speculation that the frosty relationship between Wasps boss Warren Gatland and Eddie O'Sullivan, his successor as Ireland coach, was hampering O'Connor's entrance into the Test arena was emphatically denied.

And with Leinster's Keith Gleeson - Ireland's first choice flanker during this year's Triple Crown success - still injured, the path now appears clear for O'Connor to take his international bow.

Munster's Denis Leamy - who featured during Saturday's 15-9 European Cup victory over Harlequins - will provide competition at openside after edging out his provincial team mate David Wallace from the position.

Wallace is the only name missing from the side which started the RBS 6 Nations clash with Scotland in March and elsewhere there are few surprises with O'Sullivan enjoying the luxury of a settled squad.

Brian O'Driscoll, Geordan Murphy and Gordon D'Arcy are all present to provide Ireland with plenty of attacking options while up front Shane Byrne, Paul O'Connell and Anthony Foley will ensure there is plenty of ball to play with.

Donnacha O'Callahgan - a possible second row partner for O'Connell against South Africa, United States and Argentina next month - has been named in the squad but his place is subject to passing a fitness test.

Three more players will be added to the party following the weekend's Heineken Cup action while Kieron Dawson (London Irish), Gleeson (St. Mary's College/Leinster) and Neil McMillan (Ballymena/Ulster) were not considered due to injury.

Ireland squad for next months autumn internationals:

Forwards: Simon Best (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster), Shane Byrne (Blackrock College/Leinster), Reggie Corrigan (Greystones/Leinster), Leo Cullen (Blackrock College/Leinster), Simon Easterby (LIanelli), Anthony Foley (Shannon/Munster), John Hayes (Shannon/Munster), Marcus Horan (Shannon/Munster), Denis Leamy (Cork Constitution/Munster), Donnacha OCallaghan (Cork Constitution/Munster), Paul OConnell (Young Munster/Munster), Johnny OConnor (Wasps), Malcolm OKelly (St. Marys College/Leinster), Frankie Sheahan (Cork Constitution/Munster.

Backs: Tommy Bowe (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster), Gordon DArcy (Lansdowne/Leinster), Girvan Dempsey (Terenure College/Leinster), Guy Easterby (Blackrock College/Leinster), Denis Hickie (St. Marys College/Leinster), Anthony Horgan (Cork Constitution/Munster), Shane Horgan (Lansdowne/Leinster), David Humphreys (Dungannon/Ulster), Kevin Maggs (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster), Geordan Murphy (Leicester), Brian ODriscoll (Blackrock College/Leinster), Ronan OGara (Cork Constitution/Munster), Peter Stringer (Shannon/Munster.