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Page last updated at 17:15 GMT, Friday, 25 February 2011

Six Nations: Bowe happy to reclaim Ireland place

RBS Six Nations: Scotland v Ireland
Venue: Murrayfield Date: Sunday 27 February Kick-off: 1500 GMT
Coverage: Watch on BBC One, BBC HD channel, Red Button and BBC Sport website; listen on BBC Radio Scotland, Radio Ulster & online; text commentary on BBC Sport website and mobiles


Tommy Bowe
Tommy Bowe is back in the Ireland team

Ireland winger Tommy Bowe says fierce competition for places leaves him under pressure to perform in Sunday's Six Nations game against Scotland.

"There is always pressure as there is a huge amount of competition," said the returning Ospreys player.

"I've been lucky enough to be given the chance to come straight back into the team and that represents a huge vote of confidence from Declan Kidney.

"I have to repay that - if I don't I won't be in the starting line-up long."

Bowe missed Ireland's opening two games against Italy and France with a knee injury but played a full 80 minutes for the Ospreys against Benetton Treviso in the Magners League last week.

"I felt good during that game which was played at a fast pace, so it was a good workout for me.

"I watched the game against France and the boys played well so they are not too deflated.

Tommy Bowe looks forward to returning to action in Ireland's Six Nations game against Scotland

"We made errors which allowed them to stay in the game but on the whole we played some good rugby - we stretched France and scored some good tries.

"The fact that there was a free week until this game against Scotland is frustrating as the players want to get out there and right the wrongs of that game.

"There has been a real sense of excitement and a buzz about the place in training and the lads just want to get out on the pitch again.

"Hopefully I will be able to get involved in the game, keep the ball in hand and maybe score a nice try."

Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll welcomed the return of one of Ireland's star performers of recent years.

"Tommy's been great for us over the last couple of years in particular," said O'Driscoll.

"Since becoming a regular in the team he's scored a lot of important tries for us and has been involved in big moments.

"It's great to have a guy of that experience coming back in.

"Sometimes you rely on that experience to produce on the big occasion," he said.



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see also
Scotland 18-21 Ireland
27 Feb 11 |  Rugby Union
O'Gara replaces Sexton for Irish
23 Feb 11 |  Irish
Jackson replaces Parks for Scots
23 Feb 11 |  Scottish
Beattie urges Scots not to panic
23 Feb 11 |  Scottish
Kidney concerned at penalty count
13 Feb 11 |  Irish
Scotland 6-24 Wales
12 Feb 11 |  Rugby Union
Ireland 22-25 France
13 Feb 11 |  Rugby Union
France were lucky - Harinordoquy
13 Feb 11 |  Rugby Union
O'Driscoll relief after Irish win
05 Feb 11 |  Irish
France 34-21 Scotland
05 Feb 11 |  Rugby Union
Italy 11-13 Ireland
05 Feb 11 |  Rugby Union


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