JAPAN v IRELAND Nagai Stadium, Osaka Sunday, 12 June Kick-off: 0600 BST Highlights on BBC2 NI

"Training had gone really well for me during camp and it was just a case of keeping my head down," he said.

"When the team was read out it took a moment for it to sink in. However, the reality of the job at hand took over.

"My parents are travelling for the games, so it will be special for me to have them watch me win my first cap."

Wilson comes from a talented family link to international rugby.

His late grandfather Harry McKibbin, snr, was a Lions player and manager while uncles Harry, jnr and Alistair McKibbin were all capped for Ireland.

Wilson, however, just wants to start off his international career as a winner.

"The team all realise that a good performance will be required if we want to win on Sunday," said the 23-year-old Belfast-born player.

"It will be difficult as Japan have played recently and the conditions will suit them."

With 12 players missing due to Lions commitments, the Japanese tour signals the start of Ireland's build-up to the 2007 World Cup.

Ireland's collapse at the end of the Six Nations will see some experienced players being replaced in the near future, with Wilson one of those likely to make an impact.