Lions selection 'in the back of my mind' - Porter
Porter missed out on the British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa in 2021 through injury
- Published
Men's Six Nations: Wales v Ireland
Venue: Principality Stadium Date: Saturday, 22 February Kick-off: 14:15 GMT
Coverage: Watch live on BBC One, BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport website and app; listen live on BBC Radio Ulster; text commentary and highlights on BBC Sport website and app
Ireland prop Andrew Porter admits being picked for this summer's British and Irish Lions tour to Australia "burns away" in the back of his mind.
Porter was selected for the squad that toured South Africa in 2021, but was forced to withdraw with a toe injury sustained playing for Leinster.
The 29-year-old harbours ambitions of being picked for this year's series but knows he cannot think too far ahead with so much rugby to come for club and country.
"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't thinking about it [selection], it's in the back of my mind but I can't let it distract me," said the Leinster loose-head.
"I've got so much going on in my personal life with my wife pregnant and with everything going on here with Ireland, I have plenty on my plate to keep me busy in the meantime."
Ireland have maximum points from their opening two Six Nations games after bonus-point victories over England and Scotland.
They travel to Cardiff on Saturday to take on Wales, who are playing their first game under interim head coach Matt Sherratt.
The Welsh are currently on a 14-game losing streak, but Porter insists Ireland will not take the challenge lightly.
"We know the talent Wales have in their squad and when they're on their day they can play some great rugby," he explained.
"We're preparing as best we can, and our standards have been great so far and we're looking to raise them again."
He is also excited at the prospect of playing at the Principality Stadium once again, where Ireland spoiled Warren Gatland's return as coach with a 34-10 win in 2023.
"Wales are a different team when they play at home, and they take a lot of pride playing at the Principality.
"I've been on both sides of it, winning and losing over there and it's always a great atmosphere under the closed roof."