LLANELLI tight head Martyn Madden says his displays in Europe have proved he's capable of doing the job for Wales.

The one time Pontypool front row man (pictured) has long been touted as a Wales player with his tremendous work rate and ball-carrying ability.

The latter bow in his armoury is particularly vital as Wales have lost out in this area since the retirement of Scott Quinnell and the loss of form from Colin Charvis.

But fears about his scrummaging ability have meant he has had little chance at international level, though that seems about to change on Saturday as he is expected to be named later today in the Wales team to face Ireland.

Madden has no doubts about his ability to transfer his club form to the international stage.

"I've proved myself in two years of European Cup rugby, which is a high standard," he said.

"In Europe you can't get anywhere without a front five platform and I've helped achieve that for my club and I'm confident I can achieve it for Wales.

"I don't think it is any different at international level, perhaps it's a bit more physical, and I just can't see a problem.

"Llanelli use a game pattern that suits me and brings me into the game, using me in different key areas, and it has brought success.

"I think the Welsh game plan is more or less the same, so I won't have any trouble fitting into it.

"The Irish know I am a ball carrier and will know what to expect, but I have faith in my ability to do the job."

Madden is one of those rare players who always performs with a smile on his face, and he says that won't change even for Wales.

"I'm always happy. It's something I've always been. Live happy, play happy," he said.

"I always go into the game that way and it helps get the adrenaline going and makes me play better."

He added: "It's been a couple of years of frustration not being involved for Wales, but you can't buy yourself into the team. There were a lot of good players in front of me and you have to wait for your opportunity.

"I was happy to be named in the thirty-man squad for this Six Nations, that was an achievement, but unfortunately I picked up a shoulder injury the night after.

"But I've got my opportunity now, I'm match fit, I came through Saturday's run-out for Caerphilly and I'm hoping I'll get a start against Ireland.

"I've been at the Wales camp for the past four weeks and all I've done is buy a pair of trainers because all I've done is run. I've been working flat-out to get fit.

"I've been on the road and over the sand-dunes and been put through my paces, so I'll have no difficulty coming through the game."

Madden's contract at Llanelli ends at the end of this season and he is one of a number of Welsh players linked with a move to play in England.

He says he would not be averse to such a move, and says: "It's flattering, but at the moment I'm taking my time.

"I've got the remainder of the Six Nations ahead of me and the Heineken Cup and I'm looking forward to that and nothing else at the moment."

The injury to Swansea full back Kevin Morgan means Cardiff's Rhys Williams is certain to revert to full back against Ireland with Craig Morgan or Mark Jones returning on the wing.

And former skipper Colin Charvis, dropped after the shock defeat in Italy, could start his first game since then at number eight.