The kid is in.

Leinster prodigy Jordan Larmour is set to make his Ireland debut this weekend against Italy at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Larmour has been named on a bench which also includes Sean Cronin, Cian Healy, Andrew Porter, Quinn Roux, CJ Stander, Kieran Marmion and Joey Carbery.

The talented young star has set the PRO14 and Europe alight this season with his electric feet. And is the only uncapped player in Schmidt’s Ireland squad.

Speaking after his team announcement, Schmidt says he expects to see exactly what we’ve been seeing from Larmour at provincial level this weekend.

“I expect Jordan to provide what he’s been providing, that we’ve all seen in provincial matches.” Schmidt said

“That electric acceleration, that change of direction. But also that surety under the high ball.”

(Also) that skill- you know there a couple of really nice passes he’s linked in with to set players away.”

“So, we’d love to see all that. And away from the ball he’s got a super work-rate. So we know that if we are coming under pressure, he’ll be working really hard to help relieve that pressure.”

In terms of where he’ll play. Schmidt hasn’t ruled out Larmour coming in at fullback or the wing. The Ireland head coach is confident there will be enough experience around either either way.

“If he (Larmour) replaces Keith or Jacob on the edges, then having Rob (Kearney) at the back will be an asset.”

“If he replaces Rob, then having Keith particularly with his experience on the edge, I think that will be an asset for him as well.”

At the same time, Schmidt also says Larmour won’t be put in either position just to be “looked after.”

“You don’t place a player in and expect them to be looked after.”

“He (Larmour) has an expectation himself that he’s gonna look after what he needs to do.”

“And hopefully bring those exciting elements that I mentioned to the game.”