Ireland’s Conor Murray is prepared to be a busy man over the next few weeks as Ireland have only named two specialist scrum-halves in their 31-man squad.

The Limerick-born back may get a bit of a breather this Sunday as Ireland are likely to rest a few big names for their match against Romania, but with only two options at No 9 he is prepared to play in every game.

Fly-half Ian Madigan has been training to step in at scrum-half should Murray or replacement Eoin Reddan go down with injury, with the latter likely to get the start on Sunday despite nursing his knee after the win against Canada last Saturday.

“Mentally you have to prepare to be involved in every game,” Murray said. “And all going well you should be involved in most games, if not all of them.

“So it doesn’t change for me or Eoin during the week, we’re both preparing for a Test match at the weekend.”

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About Madigan’s suitability to cover the No 9 shirt in an emergency, Murray said: “He’s got a good idea of how the game of rugby is played and what he expects his nine to do, so that’s something that will come quite easily to Ian I think.

“He’s been there a few times with Leinster when they’ve had sin-bins or injuries or things, so he’s not a complete stranger to it and I’m sure he’s had a dabble in it as a youngster too.

“Ian’s a very talented, skilful player, he can play full-back and centre comfortably so nine is just another string he can add to his bow.”