IRELAND v CANADA PLAYER REACTION: ALAN QUINLAN knows that donning the green jersey carries a greater resonance now than arguably any other stage of his career, outside of making his debut for Ireland. At 34, every cap is coveted, particularly when weighed against the scope to earn more.

On Saturday at Thomond Park, he won his 26th when coming on as a second-half replacement for Paul O'Connell, scoring a try to boot after taking a typically intelligent support line. It was easy to discern the passion and enthusiasm as Quinlan offered an overview not alone to a 55-0 victory over Canada but of the new coaching regime headed by Declan Kidney.

The Shannon and Munster flanker made his debut for Ireland against Romania as a replacement in 1999; injuries and vagaries of selection may have made him a frustratingly fitful presence ever since but it does not compromise his ability to gauge the formative weeks of the new national set-up.

"There is a great work ethic from all the coaches. They are providing great information and analysis and excellent coaching. It is really exciting, no matter what age you are, to be involved in that. There is renewed enthusiasm, everyone really happy going to training.

"Everybody is working really hard and it is good to be involved in something like that. It's very important as a group we don't take anything for granted or get carried away. It's certainly early days and we will be judged on performances.

"There is a massive, massive challenge next weekend. Declan (Kidney) and the coaches have said that you put on an Ireland jersey and you treasure that jersey. That's the attitude we're going to try and instil and I think it is coming out in our training. There is great competition within the squad."

That can easily be gleaned from the impact made by Quinlan, David Wallace and Shane Horgan, in particular, when introduced against the Canadians, all eager to impress and conspicuous in their contribution.

There is enthusiasm and desire, irrespective of age from the youngest player to the more senior statesmen.

Quinlan offers an interesting counterbalance to the former category, having graced the same pitches as the father of Ireland's latest debutant, Keith Earls. "It was back in about 1996 when I starting playing with and against his (Keith's) dad, Ger," Quinlan smiled: "A few games for Munster and then obviously playing against him at Young Munster. I feel like an old man around him (Keith). It's kind of strange playing with Keith."

Having got over feeling like Methuselah, Quinlan offered a warm approbation of Ireland's new fullback and his try-scoring debut. "It was great for Keith, playing on his home turf and getting a score. He is a very exciting prospect. The key to Keith is he is a very balanced young lad; he keeps his feet on the ground, he is willing to work very hard and he has a great attitude about him.

"He's not going to get (too) excited (about) today. It's extra special for him to score but he has a great work ethic and is a player with a massive future."

Quinlan's future at Test level might not boast the same longevity but it won't be determined by lack of application or hunger.

He pointed out: "It was great, personally, to be back involved. There is a lot of competition within the squad and it is a new era for this team. There are a lot of guys coming in, putting their hands up. For me, having been around a while, it's always a great honour to get on an Irish jersey. I was very proud and happy to be involved but certainly won't take anything for granted.

"I'll just take one game as it comes and hopefully stay involved in the squad. It is an exciting place to be with all the new coaches and everyone involved. There is certainly a momentum gathering. We'll all keep our feet on the ground."

While expressing satisfaction with the victory and in keeping the opposition scoreless, Quinlan wasn't oblivious to Canada's all too glaring shortcomings, he confirmed the squad had heeded the lessons from World Cup matches against Georgia and Namibia.

There was a commitment to getting the basics right, promoting the correct attitude and making good decisions.

"There is a lot of room for improvement in all areas but hopefully it will generate a confidence going into next weekend which, as everyone knows, is a huge, huge challenge. Individually and collectively we all have a lot of work ahead during the week. It's an exciting challenge that lies ahead against a superb All Blacks team".

He's adamant appetite and desire aren't age-related and certainly won't be cornered by the squad's young tyros: "There's life in all of us. Anyone involved in the squad is going to have to work hard to get into the team.

"The last couple of weeks have shown that everyone has the enthusiasm to play for Ireland irrespective of how long they have been around. There are so many guys who can offer so many things to this team."

Quinlan is certainly one of them.