Leinster lock Malcolm O'Kelly will become the most capped player in the history of Irish rugby when he lines out against Scotland at Murrayfield. The 30-year-old O'Kelly will by-pass the legendary Mike Gibson's record when he wins his 70th cap on Saturday.
"You still have to go out there and lace up your boots," said O'Kelly. "It's an honour to get to Mike Gibson's mark after eight seasons.
"I've been very lucky to be involved with such a successful Irish team."
The Dubliner looks as fresh now as when he won his first cap against the All Blacks in 1997 and he believes he an go on for longer.
''I came into the rugby world at a good time just after the dawn of professionalism,'' said O'Kelly who has played in the last 15 of Ireland 15 Tests.
''If I stay clear of injury and with my contract up in two seasons, I don't see any reason why I wouldn't continue for a while yet.
"If I still feel I am capable of making a difference on the pitch, then there's no reason not to. Gareth Llewellyn is still lining out for Wales at nearly 36."
O'Kelly is obviously hoping to earn another Lions tour after he earned the praise of Britain and Ireland Lions coach Sir Clive Woodward during the Heineken Cup Pool Two defeat of Bath last October.
 |  It would be great to make it again - but this time, not just the extended squad. |
"It's one of my goals I have left, I suppose," he said. "It would be great to make it again - but this time, not just the extended squad. "New Zealand are the only team I haven't beaten with Ireland, and if I'm lucky I might get to do it a couple of times this year.
"I'll just keep concentrating on my own game, and hope it pays off in the end.
"The All Blacks come to Dublin too in November and it would be nice, if I'm selected, to beat them then. But that's a long way off yet."
MMIX
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
All the action