Garry Ringrose has "barely scratched the surface" on his vast potential, according to Leinster backs coach Girvan Dempsey.
Former Ireland full-back Dempsey is tipping Ringrose to be one of the stars of the Six Nations, with the 22-year-old expected to slot in for the injured Jared Payne.
Ulster's defensive linchpin Payne could miss the entire Six Nations with long-term kidney trouble, paving the way for Robbie Henshaw and Ringrose to reprise their burgeoning Leinster centre partnership in the Test arena.
"Garry has barely scratched the surface of what he can do," Dempsey said. "He just bounces onto the training field. And we're just constantly looking forward to seeing what's going to come next.
"He just loves playing, training; he loves the game and all that's involved with it. He doesn't see this as a job.
"He loves expressing himself, and certainly we'd never, ever want to curb that in any way because it's so refreshing.
"Hopefully he'll just keep getting better and better as time goes on."
Ringrose remained an unused replacement as Ireland ended their 111-year wait for a win over New Zealand with a 40-29 triumph in Chicago on November 5.
But it was his showings at inside centre against both New Zealand and Australia at the end of the autumn series that showcased Ringrose's growing defensive qualities.
"He sees the picture in front of him in terms of defence really well, and there's good connections with guys all around him as well," said Dempsey.
"He's developing a good partnership with Robbie (Henshaw) now, that's really coming on well.
"But he's also a very physical defender, he's extremely committed to that part of the game and can certainly offer a punch in the tackle."
"Dealing with him right from the off, even from 17, you could tell he was rugby-smart; he just got it."