One of Jason Robinson's ex-Wigan and Great Britain team mates has been quick to support the winger on his inclusion in the Lions squad to tour Australia in June and July.

In his latest column for Playtheball.com Terry O'Connor admitted that he was "chuffed to bits" that Robinson had been selected by coach Graham Henry.

O'Connor, who captained Ireland in the recent Rugby League World Cup also dispelled fears about the convert's technical ability in the heat of a Test match.

"He was the best Rugby League winger in the world by quite a long way. If you asked any coach in the world who their ideal winger would be, I'm sure that Jason would have been first name they would have picked."

"He's as strong as a baby rhino, he's extremely quick...he's just unbelievable. I'm chuffed to bits that he's made the squad and hopefully he won't just go out there as a bit part player." O'Connor continued.

"I actually fancy him to break into the team for the test matches, because the Australians like to play the open game, like in the Super 12s, and that'll suit Jason down to the ground. He'll thrive out there.

"Jason puts 100% into every game he plays, but in the big games he's something else and is always likely to pull something special out of the bag."

The Wigan prop also gave an insight into Robinson's kicking ability, which has been questioned in some quarters.

"Some of the critics who are saying he might struggle with his kicking obviously haven't been doing their homework. Jason has kicked for Wigan and played plenty of games for us at stand off and scrum half. People don't seem to realise that he started off as a halfback, so he certainly knows how to kick a ball."