Ulster captain Iain Henderson has admitted he is not yet ready to lead Ireland.
Head coach Andy Farrell will select Rory Best's replacement before the Six Nations gets underway on February 1st.
But 27-year-old Henderson reckons he is not in the running, calling the captaincy 'a step I'm not ready for yet'.
Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster's Sportsound Extra Time, Henderson said: "Looking at the other candidates, I would be confident that they would be able to do a better job than me at this moment in time.
"Anyone who gets the opportunity to lead a team and play for their country would jump at that opportunity.
"Whether it's achievable or not I suppose is a different matter.
"There's obviously such a strength in depth throughout Ireland now with Leinster producing so many good players and leaders, same with Munster.
"The leaders that are in the Ireland squad, similar to myself, have played with unbelievable captains in their time and similarly will have learned from a lot of them."
Stalwarts Johnny Sexton and Peter O'Mahony have been touted as potential captaincy candidates, and Henderson insists he will back whoever gets the nod.
He added: "I have every faith in Andy Farrell to make the right decision and I know the right decision will be somebody who we're definitely able to get behind and be able to support.
"Hopefully they will feel the leadership from the rest of the squad as I feel from the squad at Ulster."
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