ODriscoll has led the Irish with distinction, guiding them to 15 victories from his 18 matches in charge, and appears to have little competition for the Lions captaincy.

England star Jason Robinson is his only rival but Murphy - who has a good chance of claiming a Test spot himself - believes his Ireland team-mate should be given the honour.

He said: Brian is a great leader. Hes very lucky that he has a talented Ireland squad to work with but everyone knows hes an exceptional player.

Hes a talisman for the side and brings confidence to the players around him. Hed make a good Lions captain. Hed take it in his stride and Im sure hed be as influential for the Lions as he is for Ireland.

ODriscoll was a star of the 2001 tour to Australia where he sealed his reputation as the most dangerous centre in the world.

However, the supremely-gifted Leinster midfielder has continued to develop since the 2-1 series defeat by the Wallabies and Murphy believes he is now a more rounded player.

When Brian first came onto the scene he wasnt as physically developed as he is now. That comes with age, he said.

In the past couple of years hes been putting in the hits. The game has become more physical and hes adapted to that. Hes the complete centre now.