Paul O'Connell believes Ireland can win next year's Rugby World Cup, despite having less strength in depth than their Southern Hemisphere rivals.

“We certainly have a chance,” the Ireland captain told Sky Sports. “We have shown that we can beat anyone on our day.

“We still don’t have the strength in depth of the southern hemisphere nations, so there are certain things that will have to go our way - but I think we have the potential to win a World Cup.”

The Munster lock paid tribute to head coach Joe Schmidt, who led Ireland to the Six Nations title and victories over South Africa and Australia in his first full year in charge.

"You could almost be jealous that Leinster had him for so long." Paul O'Connell on Joe Schmidt

"Joe is an excellent coach and an excellent strategist," said O'Connell.

“He is a brilliant communicator too. We are all trying to do the same things on the rugby field but Joe is able to simplify it and able to get players into the right places on the field where they can use their skillset.

“It is brilliant working with him. Every meeting and every training session we learn something new, and you could almost be jealous that Leinster had him for so long.

“The Irish set-up under Joe has been incredible and I want to experience as much of that as I can.”

On his own future, O'Connell added: "I don't really know how long I can keep on going for - I want to play in the next World Cup and want to be in the best possible shape. I am still undecided if I will play on after the World Cup.

"It's is something that plays on my mind a little bit. I don't dread the day, but I don't think it was ever my intention to keep on playing this long.

"I certainly won't be putting my hand up for Lions selection in 2017 - I'll be long gone from the game, believe me."