Andrew Trimble says playing with top players has helped him

"It's great news," Best told BBC Sport. "I thought my chances were long gone. But I feel quicker, stronger and more developed this season."

Trimble, who turned 21 last week, said all the hard work with Ulster has obviously paid off.

"Training and playing with the likes of David Humphreys, Kevin Maggs and Paul Steinmetz really helped me," he said.

"But being included in the Irish squad is another big step up for me in what has been an exciting year so far.

"I'm obviously delighted to be included, it's something that I've aspired too and I've no doubt that I'll learn a lot from the sessions.

"I'm really looking forward to it," said Trimble a product of Coleraine Academical Institution

Best, however, believes that there is a lot more to come from him.

"I thought I had a chance when I was 23," said the 26-year-old from Belfast. "But when I did not make, I thought no more about it.

"I just got on with the game. But I do feel better this season than any other.

"My father said that he was a very late developer, and I feel that could be my case as well.

"I'm certainly developing quicker now, than I was earlier in my career.

"Let's not forget that it's only a training squad. For me to go anywhere I have to improve even more. I will, though look forward to travelling down and learning the whole set-up."