'Patient' McCloskey wants more after All Blacks

McCloskey won his 22nd Ireland cap against New Zealand

Ireland centre Stuart McCloskey says his first game against the All Blacks was "right up there" in terms of experiences in his career despite defeat.

The 33-year-old Ulster player impressed in his 55 minutes on the pitch in Chicago before he was forced off with a groin problem.

Andy Farrell's side went on to lose 26-13 and while disappointed that New Zealand inflicted a third successive defeat on Ireland, McCloskey was content with his individual display.

"I've played some big games over the years but that's right up there, probably up there with the one against France in the Six Nations a couple of years ago," he said.

"I thought it went alright, I had some good impacts on the game, I wish a couple of the offloads had stuck and the lads had run them in but overall, I was very happy with how the 55 minutes went."

McCloskey was a surprise inclusion in midfield ahead of Bundee Aki, but was rewarded for a good start to the campaign with Ulster with his third successive start for Ireland.

While he said it was "hard to know" how severe the groin injury is, McCloskey is hoping to be involved in home Tests against Japan, Australia and South Africa.

The centre wants to add to his 22 caps for Ireland after being forced to bide his time for opportunities in recent years.

"I'd love to get back out there, if not next week, then the week after and put another foot down," he added.

"There's another two guys in there, two Lions, waiting to go as well, it's very competitive, you don't want to give up the spot without a bit of a fight.

"I had to say to myself maybe six or seven years ago to be patient and stick at it. I've just tried to stay in there and play good rugby for Ulster and try to put the pressure on the lads ahead of me to be the best they could be.

"Hopefully this injury isn't too bad and I get a few more games."