Listen to the full interview via the Monday Night Rugby podcast which also includes Eddie O'Sullivan's assessment of Ireland's chances.

It's a sign of Luke Fitzgerald's mental strength that he is in the running to start Ireland's Six Nations opener against Scotland.

For the Leinster man has had a torrid time with injuries. First there was the neck injury that required the insertion of two plates. And then there were three knee operations.

Dave McIntyre caught up with Fitzgerald today as he prepares for the Six Nations and the former Lion admitted that he is still shaking off the lingering legacy of his physical problems.

"I still have improving to do on my upper body. When you have nerve damage, it's one of the worst things. A broken bone is six to eight weeks and nerves don't get as damaged. But mine had been damaged so long. I couldn't even do a press up. I've worked really hard at that and it takes a long time for nerve damage to get back. It might take two to two and half years," said Fitzgerald, who nonetheless is happy with his form.  

While the 26-year-old acknowledged the depths of despair caused by long-term injuries, he felt the most recent knee problem was much easier to deal with.

"It was very dark. It was tough. Things weren't as dark this time as it was with the neck which was a pretty dark time. The knee was a lot different but I knew I could get back quickly. Things have been pretty good since. I got a pretty decent contract the last time as opposed to the year-long one that I got with the neck," said Fitzgerald.   

Image: Luke Fitzgerald during training for the November Internationals ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan