England hooker Jamie George has claimed to be in a "great place" as he prepares for England's crunch Six Nations clash with Ireland at Twickenham on Saturday.
George, 31, scored two tries in England's win over Italy, but has thus far played second fiddle to Luke Cowan-Dickie.
However, the Exeter Chiefs' player has now been ruled out of the remainder of the Championship with a knee injury, meaning George is inline to start a clash that could define England's tournament.
Eddie Jones' side bounced back from their opening day defeat to Scotland with a bonus point win in Rome before edging out Wales 23-19, and a win over the Irish would technically keep their title hopes alive.
However, defeat would bring further scrutiny on Jones ahead of a difficult trip to Paris to play France on the final weekend.
George doesn't appear a man feeling the pressure though, having been grateful for a reprieve after he was omitted from the national squad ahead of the Autumn International campaign, only to then be called-up after injuries.
"I took time to think where I was at and why Eddie [Jones} might think I shouldn't be there," he told Rugby Union Daily.
"I'm in a great place now and it's probably from taking the lessons of last six months."
A difficult time on the Lions tour in South Africa formed one of those lessons, but the Saracens man says the tough times have helped him view his career in a different perspective.
"I haven't always enjoyed it. I haven't always loved coming into camp," he admitted.
"But, the opportunity was given to me again, and I thought, why don't I make the most of it? I play my best rugby when I am having a good time, with a smile on my face, so I put an emphasis on that.
"Some of the things that have been frustrating, I am going to turn a blind eye to. I make sure I talk to the people I need to talk to and put myself in a good head space because there was a time I thought I would never have this opportunity again."
England's form has been deemed erratic by pundits, but George said he was happy for Ireland to be labelled favourites.
"We are going to throw a few different things at Ireland and try and make them uncomfortable. There is a sense of excitement around that, there really is," he added.
