Listen to Quinlan's full analysis via the podcast.

Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt named his extended squad for the 2014 Six Nations campaign.

Seven uncapped players made the cut, while the likes of Tommy Bowe and Simon Bowe were not included as they must prove their fitness following injuries.

We were joined by ex-Munster and Ireland back-row Alan Quinlan to analyze Schmidt's choices.

Quinlan has been impressed with the younger players called up such as Jordi Murphy but felt Ulster's Paul Marshall was "unlucky" to miss out.

"I think it's as expected. All the big names are in there. There's no shock omissions. It's a good move to bring in a lot of new faces and get a close look at them and see how they adapt to the pressure that's there in the squad and see if they can come out of their comfort zone and show promise and talent in training," said Quinlan who believes Schmidt has little room for manoeuvre with the pressure to win games.

"I think it's key for Schmidt to develop some strength in depth in the squad. Sometimes you get a closer look at guys when they're training together with the Brian O'Driscolls and Paul O'Connells of this world and just getting little tips. It brings them on. It looks like a good squad and hopefully we can  get the injured players back."

As for the uncapped players, Quinlan knows what it is like to be a young player coming into a team full of experienced figures.

"They'll be nervous but the mentality's probably changed from when I went into my first squad in '97. It was when Brian Ashton was there. I didn't really know many of the guys. Players in the squad were UK based so it'll be easier because the new cast that are there will know many of the people who they play with in the provinces. It will be a little bit easier. I was certainly nervous and in my shell with the UK-based players. But it's a challenge. International rugby is a step up."