The Wasps flanker, who turned 25 on Wednesday, has gained Eddie O'Sullivan's favour ahead of Munster's Denis Leamy for the Murrayfield showdown.

O'Connor is publicly pleased to be back in the openside role for the first time since November's 21-19 defeat of Argentina.

But he knows that this will be his audition piece for the Dublin clash with England in 18 days' time.

It's a horses for courses selection really, said OConnor.

The way I look at it, if I'm in, I'm in, and if I'm not then there's a lot of competition here and I can't just drag my heels around if I don't get picked.

Missing the Italian game was disappointing certainly, but you can't dwell on these things - it's part and parcel of rugby. Denis has been playing really well and deserved his opportunity.

It's a good situation to be in if there are good players around you, pushing for a place in the side.

That focuses you on the task at hand and I've a clear job to do on Saturday and that's all I'm thinking about at the moment.

Touted by Wasps director of rugby Warren Gatland as a possible 2005 Lions Test openside as far back as last September, O'Connor's reputation as a breakdown scavenger and heavy hitter has seen him come to the forefront of O'Sullivan's mind for the Scottish tussle.

O'Connor added: It will be interesting to see how situations on the deck is reffed, with the new laws having come in.

Obviously the breakdown a big part of what I do on the pitch so I'm hoping to hold some influence there against what is a very solid Scottish pack.