John O'Sullivantalks to the Ulster backrow who hopes to convince Eddie O'Sullivan he deserves a place in his 30-man World Cup squad

Stephen Ferris will be hoping for a belated birthday present that would top any other gifts he's likely to receive. On Thursday he'll be 22 years of age and there's no doubt the rest of the Ireland rugby squad will help him mark the occasion in some form. Although what they probably have in mind may extend beyond a birthday cake and a chorus or two. The young Ulster backrow has his heart set on a place in the Ireland's World Cup squad and will be hoping to convince coach Eddie O'Sullivan he should be one of the 30 players named to travel to France for the tournament when the squad is announced on August 12th.

Before last year's November Test series, Ferris would have been considered a promising young player of rich potential, versatile enough to play in any of the backrow positions. Having represented Ireland at underage level he'd already established himself in the Ulster senior side and a series of excellent displays prompted O'Sullivan to call him into the Ireland squad.

Those who assumed it would be an acclimatisation process for a young prospect would have been surprised when he was chosen to make his Irish debut against the Pacific Islands at Lansdowne Road: but not the Irish management or his team-mates, impressed by his work ethic and raw power.

Although he wasn't involved during the Six Nations Championship, Ferris was included in the squad for Ireland's two-Test summer tour of Argentina. He came on as a late replacement in the first but it was during the second Test that he reconfirmed his prodigious ability; albeit in a performance abbreviated by injury.

"It was pretty hard when it happened. I just thought that I had twisted my knee and that I would only be out for a couple of weeks. Then when I went home and got the scan I realised it would be for a bit longer."

Ferris had damaged the meniscus in his knee, an injury that kept him sidelined following surgery, for six weeks.

"The main concern with my recovery was being ready in time for this week. I'm here now and have to put my hand up (again). This is the start of the World Cup campaign. I was pleased I got playing in Argentina, even if was for only 42 minutes. It wasn't what I had hoped for but that's rugby. I just had to bounce back and get myself in good shape. I have been running since last week.

"I'm coming along well and just have to keep progressing. Argentina was a good opportunity. Even though I only got 40-plus minutes, I put my hand up and just hope that's what Eddie (O'Sullivan) was looking for (on that tour)."

Ferris did a tour of duty in Spala, Poland, the delights of which didn't extend beyond eating, sleeping and training. Not that he's complaining, more like raring to go.

While he kept a close eye on the Tri-Nations during his recuperation the tournament didn't reveal anything he didn't already know.

"All the teams are looking strong but we are not really interested in anyone else. It's more about concentrating on ourselves and bringing the confidence that we have in training through to our first game against Scotland."

While many will view this week's squad training in Limerick and next week in Dublin ahead of the Scotland game and then the World Cup announcement as a quasi-trial, Ferris is unconvinced by the suggestion. "The last six months have been a trial. It's not all going to depend on this two weeks in terms of who is going to get selected for the World Cup."

What would it mean to be selected? "Everything. I know I have only been playing rugby professionally for a couple of seasons but if you asked anyone do you want to play for your country at the highest level, there would be only one answer. It would be unbelievable."