New Ireland cap John Kelly believes his versatility in the back row has earned him a long-awaited international debut.

Munster back Kelly will win his Ireland debut in the Lloyds TSB Six Nations clash with Italy at Lansdowne Road on Saturday having earned praise for performances on both the wing and at centre.

He comes into the side for injured Bath centre Kevin Maggs but will play on the right wing, from where Shane Horgan has been switched to the midfield.

His promotion comes after a try-scoring performance against England A in the Irish victory at Northampton last month. That won him a place on the replacements' bench for the victory against Scotland on March 2.

The hard work starts now for France, according to Gallic superstar Philippe Sella.

After ending England's Grand Slam hopes in Paris three weeks ago, Bernard Laporte's side aim to take another step on their own road to a clean sweep when they take on Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday.

The victory over England, added to autumn wins over Australia and South Africa, has seen the 1999 beaten finalists emerge as live contenders for next year's World Cup.

But Sella has warned his fellow countrymen not to live off past triumphs and make sure they stay focused on sealing their first Lloyds TSB Six Nations crown.