Craig Gilroy 'waited for opportunity' to impress with Ireland

Ulster wing Craig Gilroy says he was "massively disappointed" not to get a chance to impress in an Ireland shirt ahead of the selection of coach Joe Schmidt's 31-man squad for the Rugby World Cup.

"The summer was a bit of a rollercoaster for me. I was massively disappointed not to get a chance in the warm-up games. On the back of my form last season I thought I may have got an opportunity to put my hand up.

"I found myself waiting and waiting for the opportunity and it never came. Having said that, the eight or nine weeks I spent in the training camp were invaluable as a learning curve. If my chance comes, I'll be there waiting."

Gilroy reveals that fellow Ulster winger Andrew Trimble was "devastated" not to make the squad.

Speaking prior to Saturday's Pro12 game against the Scarlets in Wales, Gilroy also lauds the performance of stand-in fly-half Peter Nelson, who occupied the number 10 shirt in the opening day win over the Ospreys.

"Peter has a fantastic skill set. You could put him anywhere in the back division and he would be comfortable."