Ireland defensive coach Andy Farrell has backed national skipper Rory Best for a Lions leadership role, arguing that he must be in the frame for the captaincy.
Best, 34, took over the Ireland captaincy following the retirement of Paul O'Connell after the 2015 Rugby World Cup and the Ulster hooker has already guided Ireland to their first ever victory on South African soil and first ever win over New Zealand.
Farrell was defensive coach with the Lions for the victorious 2013 tour to Australia, a tour for which Best was initially overlooked altogether for selection before the suspension of England's Dylan Hartley paved the way for his ultimate inclusion.
This time, Farrell has no qualms in stating that Best, who will win his 100th cap for Ireland on Saturday against Australia, is in the mix not just for selection but for the highest honour.
"There's no doubt that he's a contender [for Lions captaincy] when he's doing as good a job as he is for his national team and his national team is doing pretty well," Farrell said on Friday.
"He's outstanding. He's a big part of that so he has to be right up there, doesn't he?
"It's just what he's been through. As a player, the ups and downs of international rugby and when you've got 100 caps you've certainly been through a hell of a lot.
"Your experience of how you deal not just with your own game and the players around you for the feel of the game in the white-hot heat of the moment is priceless.
"That's what I've been super impressed with, not only is he laying his body on the line but his decision-making and his calmness under pressure in the big games that we've been in, certainly since I've been here in the last six months, has been fantastic to watch.
"That's proper leadership, that's what that is, so anyone who has that skill or that trait has to be up there."
Warren Gatland will again lead the Lions when they tour New Zealand this summer and Farrell is heavily tipped to be part of the coaching staff.
Wales skipper Sam Warburton led the Lions on their last tour in 2013 and is thought likely to given the honour once again.
Ireland face Australia on Saturday in their final Autumn International at 5.30pm, live on Sky Sports 2.
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