IRISH FORWARDS coach Gert Smal believes Tony Buckley can become a world class tighthead prop and step into the shoes of John Hayes when the Bruff prop retires.

The former South African international said yesterday Buckley’s ability around the park has given Ireland another dimension to their game and he is confident the 6ft 5in Shannon player will push on and establish a place in the Irish frontrow.

“I like his size. He gives you a lot of height in the lineouts, he gives you a lot of weight in the scrums,” said Smal. “(We) still work a lot on technique at the moment. But he’s got that kind of trip switch as well. He looks real calm off the field and sometimes calm when he plays, but he’s got a kind of trip switch where he can just climb into opposition and counter-ruck three or four guys off the ball and that’s what you need in that position.

“Also the other asset he has is he’s a fair amount of handling skills as well as into contact and offloading, not maybe in conventional ways but maybe a back flip. But he keeps two or three guys busy. I think he has a lot of potential.”

The secondrow convert will hit 30 in October and time isn’t on his side. But depending on the type of game in which Ireland are involved, 100-cap Hayes will not last for 80 minutes. Against England in Twickenham the venerable frontrow made way for Buckley. A viable successor is crucial with the 2011 World Cup in mind.

“I think he can take over from John (Hayes),” he said. “He’s been the second prop behind him all the time but I think he is at the stage now where I think he can start kicking on.

“A year ago I was quite worried about the prop situation but after this year I think we’ve got something, not just in him but also a little bit more depth in other players also. In terms of making it as a player I have a lot of confidence in him. I think he can be one of the best tightheads in the world,” added the former Springbok.