British and Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland has no doubts that Rory Best can make an impact on their tour of Australia after he was called up to the squad.
The Ireland hooker was named as the replacement for Dylan Hartley on Sunday, who was hit with an 11-week ban at the weekend for swearing at the referee during Northampton Saints' defeat to Leicester Tigers in the Aviva Premiership final on Saturday.
Despite the circumstances, Gatland is certain that Best can make a name for himself on the tour.
"When we picked the squad it was very, very tough," Gatland told Sky Sports News. "The decision on the hookers was by far the longest debate we had.
"Rory was very, very unlucky to miss out. One man's disappointment is another man's fortune and I am sure he will come in and do a great job.
"In previous tours, when players have had that chance they have come in and made the most of it. He has the chance to do that."
The Lions face the Barbarians in the first match of their tour on Saturday in Hong Kong.
Matt Cotton
