Six Nations Championship: Few would quibble with coach Eddie O'Sullivan's assertion that the 35-man Ireland squad he has named for the Six Nations Championship is based on form.

There are only five uncapped players in the panel: South Africa-born Munster utility back Shaun Payne; the Ulster triumvirate of scrumhalf Kieran Campbell, prop Ronan McCormack and number eight Roger Wilson; and Connacht hooker Bernard Jackman.

"It recognises players in form who are delivering the goods. Ronan (McCormack) has done well for Ulster this season, as has Campbell, now that he's got a run of matches recently, while Shaun was involved in the squad in the autumn. There are no major dramas in terms of the selection," O'Sullivan said.

"Obviously there would have been some tough calls, particularly in the back row. David Wallace isn't there, but he hasn't been featuring for Munster in recent matches. Victor Costello could also be considered a little unlucky. There is so much talent in this area, but only so many slots.

"If we were to pick up a few injuries I would lose no sleep in bringing in those players. It shows the depth."

Gordon D'Arcy returns having recovered from the groin injury that sidelined him for the autumn internationals against South Africa, the US and Argentina.

Payne is another whose irresistible performances for Munster have demanded his inclusion. His consistent excellence has helped provincial coach Alan Gaffney to smooth over a succession of injury problems behind the scrum. In the absence of John Kelly, who continues to struggle with a foot injury, Payne was an obvious choice.

Ulster's Tommy Bowe, who made a try-scoring debut against the US, is included, as is Gavin Duffy, who won his first cap last summer in the second Test against South Africa. The Connacht-born full back cum centre has endured a difficult time at Harlequins this season, but in recent matches has demonstrated a welcome return to form. He scored a cracking try in the recent European Cup game against Castres.

Ronan O'Gara is sidelined at present with a hand injury but is expected to be back in harness by the end of the month.

Campbell's inclusion as one of three scrumhalves, alongside Peter Stringer and Guy Easterby, is an acknowledgement of the quality of his play since winning the starting role at Ulster ahead of Neil Doak.

The London-born 25-year-old has always boasted plenty of potential, as was evident as a member of the Ireland team that won the Under-19 World Cup in 1998. He spent several years filling in on the wing at London Irish, where he acquitted himself well, but was never really give a consistent chance to hold down the scrumhalf berth.

He suffered a similar fate when he joined Ulster initially, but, under Mark McCall, his performances have earned him security of tenure in the number nine jersey. Capped at Ireland A and under-21 levels, he has now played 45 times for Ulster.

Campbell is joined in the squad by provincial team mate, McCormack, the former St Mary's College schoolboy who played for UCD before joining Buccaneers, Connacht and latterly Ulster. The 27-year-old loosehead prop has made a name for himself not only in the set pieces but also his work rate around the pitch.

Jackman has been a member of a number of extended national panels.

Roger Wilson is one of seven back-row players named, a list that includes the in-form Alan Quinlan, who has probably claimed Wallace's place. Tyros Johnny O'Connor and Denis Leamy will vie for the openside berth in the absence of the injured Keith Gleeson. The Leinster player should start playing again next month.

O'Sullivan is looking forward to plotting Ireland's Six Nations Championship campaign, having been refreshed by his Yuletide inactivity. "It was a very quiet Christmas because I was very tired."

The national panel will convene on Sunday night at Citywest Hotel before training at Naas RFC on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. The players will then return to their provincial responsibilities before once again returning to Citywest on Saturday week, this time for a four-day training camp.

Not considered due to injury: K Gleeson (Leinster), T Howe (Ulster), J Kelly (Munster), N McMillan (Ulster).