Ireland head coach Andy Farrell thinks Johnny Sexton's appetite for Test rugby is as strong as it ever has been following the master flyhalf's hints that he might retire before the next World Cup.
Influential captain Sexton had said on Tuesday that he "might not" be around for the 2023 tournament in France but later clarified that it was a "throwaway" comment and that he would assess his future year by year.
The 35-year-old, who also revealed he is close to agreeing a new contract with the Irish Rugby Football Union, will return from a head injury to lead his team in Saturday's Six Nations clash with Italy as part of seven changes.
Farrell said: "As long as Johnny keeps on giving to Irish rugby, he'll keep putting his foot forward to be in the equation, won't he?
"He feels good at this moment in time, his appetite is as strong as ever."He's certainly one of those guys that makes the feeling in the group feel right and as long as that appetite stays, I'm sure we will keep moving in the right direction regarding that."
Sexton - who will be 38 by the start of the next World Cup - currently remains among a handful of Ireland players whose existing terms are due to expire this summer.
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With talks ongoing, Farrell is relaxed about the situation.
"There is no difficulty from my point of view - and I am sure there is not from Johnny's point of view as well," he said.
Ireland have made their worst start to a Six Nations campaign with defeats by Wales and France.
Farrell has named a revamped front row of Dave Kilcoyne, Ronan Kelleher and Tadhg Furlong for the trip to Rome, with Sexton, Ryan, flanker Will Connors and wing Jordan Larmour also returning.
Conor Murray is still sidelined with a hamstring problem, meaning Jamison Gibson-Park continues at halfback while Munster number nine Craig Casey and Leinster lock Ryan Baird could make their Test debuts from the bench.
