AUSBORNE!

Versatile Jamie will bring so much after linking up with Lions down under

- BY DEREK FOLEY

JAMIE OSBORNE has been called up to the Lions squad as a precaution after Blair Kinghorn picked up a potentially Tour-threatening injury.

The 23-year-old utility back Osborne brings the number of Ireland players available to Andy Farrell to 17 - and the number of Leinster players to 13.

There is almost a whole Blues side there; add in former Leinster academy graduate Tadhg Beirne and it's even closer.

Osborne has had an awkward season at the Blues who had, notionally, Hugo Keenan for fullback, Garry Ringrose and Robbie Henshaw for the centre and signed All Black Jordie Barrett from November to the end of the season.

He says he is young enough to accept that breaking through has earned him a reputation as a utility back, something he feels is temporary and a good way to gain experience.

"Yeah, I think it's definitely a strength," said Osborne. "It can probably seem a bit like a bit of a weakness at times if you're, say, not selected and you're thinking 'maybe I should be a bit more specialised in a certain position'.

"But when you look at Elliot Daly's performances (before he was injured), how reliable he was and how classy of an operator he really is, it encourages you.

"So I think it definitely can be a strength. I suppose over time we'll see and, you know, hopefully I can figure it out and how to best utilise it."