Sean Cronin is confident that he can make Ireland's 2019 Rugby World Cup squad.
There has been uncertainty about the Leinster hooker's chances, fuelled further after the Six Nations.
He was omitted from the Ireland squad for the two final Six Nations fixtures after the under-par team performance against Italy.
Ireland forwards coach Simon Easterby suggested at the time that the decision was because hooker was a position they "need to build depth in".
Speaking at today's Leinster press conference ahead of the Heineken Champions Cup semi-finals, Cronin addressed his Ireland situation.
"I was obviously a small bit disappointed. But that's part and parcel of being a professional rugby player. You've got to take the highs with the lows," he said.
"Resilient character"
"There was a fantastic opportunity coming back to Leinster. We're in the business end of the season. And all I can do is perform and hopefully get the opportunity to play in some massive games and then put my best foot forward to be reselected.
"That's all I can do and I think I'm a pretty resilient character. So all I've got to do is get the head down, keep working and not dwell on stuff that's went on a few months before.
"Because you're no good to yourself or your team-mates if you're doing that."
Asked if he believes that he remains in Ireland's plans, the 32-year-old replied, "I'd like to think so. But again, the ball's in my court."
Cronin also added that he had only briefly spoken to Ireland coach Joe Schmidt.
"I just had a quick phonecall with him. I think he was gone back to New Zealand post-Six Nations because I'd come back for Leinster. So I'm going to catch up with him definitely before the season's ended to do a quick review," he said.
"And I think I'm still firmly in the plans, so as I said, the ball's in my court. I just need to play well and obviously there are other hookers around the country playing pretty well as well. So that's all I can do and see what happens from there."
You can watch Cronin's full comments above via our YouTube channel.
