Match-winner Byrne is delighted to be the unlikely Irish hero after Sexton's injury woe

ROSS BYRNE insists his dramatic match-winning penalty against Australia is the highlight of his Ireland career.

- ED ELLIOT

It capped “one of the most bizarre weeks” for the out-half as he returned from the international wilderness with a bang.

Byrne was left out of Andy Farrell’s initial autumn squad and was still behind Johnny Sexton and Jack Crowley in the pecking order having been called up on Monday as injury cover for Joey Carbery.

The 27-year-old had not featured for his country since March last year but found himself elevated to the bench for Saturday’s 13-10 win over the Wallabies due to a late calf problem suffered by captain Sexton.

He ended his lengthy Test exile by replacing full debutant Crowley, before holding his nerve to land the decisive three points from a tricky kick wide on the right with just three minutes remaining.

“I don’t really know how to put it into words,” said the Leinster player. “It’s been one of the most bizarre weeks ever.