JAMES MCNABNEY MIGHT have made his Ireland debut before Saturday had it not been for injury.

So the 23-year-old Ulster man, who missed all of last season after rupturing his ACL, is out to make up for lost time as Ireland host Fiji in the Nations Championship.

McNabney, who can play at number eight or blindside flanker, is set to earn his first Ireland cap off the bench and will look to bring his size and power to the party.

“He’s a big lad,” said Ireland skipper Tadhg Beirne after their captain’s run on Friday.

“He’s dense. No, sorry, his body is dense! He only knows one level. In training, it’s like hitting a brick wall sometimes when he’s running at you or you’re running into him.

“So really looking forward to what he’s going to bring tomorrow. Unbelievably deserving of the position he’s in, and you’ve seen him do it for Ulster a lot, unbelievably physical player.

“He’s working unbelievably hard within the camp to get over everything and get up to speed with everything.

“You can tell how much it means to him as well, which makes it even more exciting for all of us. We had a special jersey presentation for him yesterday and that was very cool to see with his family.

“I’m really excited for him. He had a tough year last year and he’s come back just as strong as he was before his injury. Like I said, I’m unbelievably excited for him and I think he’s going to bring a lot.”

McNabney is one of three relatively inexperienced players on the Irish bench in an otherwise experienced match day 23.

Sam Illo at Ireland training this week. Ben Brady / INPHO Ben Brady / INPHO / INPHO

Connacht’s twice-capped tighthead prop Sam Illo and lock Darragh Murray, who has three caps so far, are also involved.

“Sam is such a powerful athlete, unbelievably fast,” said Beirne.

“He’s catching on to things really quickly and he’s working hard to catch up to things.

“Darragh has been in a few times and it’s no surprise technically, he’s top of the charts with everything.

“He trains unbelievably well and whether it’s Fogs [scrum coach John Fogarty] saying he’s the best scrummager in the team, second row-wise, I’ve no doubt about it. He’s technically gifted and his lineout work is exceptional.

“So he’s been a massive help to us, even when he’s not playing. To see him playing this week, I’m delighted for him. If he keeps delivering what he’s been doing in training, he’s going to have a really good day.”

Beirne will lead Ireland for just the second time from the start of a Test, meaning it’s a big day for the Munster man too.

“It’s particularly special doing it at the Aviva, at home,” said Beirne. “I did have family over in Australia during the summer, but I’ll have my family here, extended family, everything.

“Particularly special, especially with this group, getting to lead those boys out is very cool and very special as I said. I’m really looking forward to it. It’s a massive week for me and I am thoroughly enjoying it so far.

“My wife and daughter will be there, mum and dad will definitely be there, sister. Everyone who’s in the country will be there, which is class.

“That’s the nice part leading up to the game, but I have a job to do.”