Ever since talk of Jonathan Sexton’s return (confirmed last Thursday) to the Pro 12 Champions there has been no shortage of speculation as to where that might leave the young Irish International from next season onwards.

Top of the speculation charts would link Madigan with a move away from Leinster to another Irish province or elsewhere in Europe.

O’Connor has rubbished talk that he might be squeezed out when Sexton comes back.

“He has played in a number of positions, he is an unbelievable goal kicker. Ian is incredibly valuable to the squad, so from our end we wouldn’t want him to be going anywhere.”

“Saying that, he’s got to make that call, if he thinks that he’s a genuine first choice 10 and capable of doing that well he will have a decision to make.” O’Connor said.

Irish coach Joe Schmidt has in the past stated his desire to see Madigan playing regular rugby in order to stake a place in an Ireland squad.

When Sexton arrives at the end of the current season from Racing Metro, it will leave Leinster with three quality out-half’s - with Jimmy Goppetth in the mix too.

Madigan’s versatility is one thing that could keep him from making a move.

He has demonstrated how good a player he is in Gordan D’Arcy’s regular spot at number 12.

O’Connor pointed out that if he is to challenge for that position there are areas of his game he will need to improve.

“You need to develop into a bloke who manages the game and then you have the attributes he’s demonstrated so many times.”

“I think he will only make himself better as a 12 if he nails down those one or two things that he can work on as a frontline 10.”

The Leinster coach added: “We need to back the environment to make sure that guys want to be there, from that end we would be pretty comfortable that Ian would want to be here.”

“There will be a time where he will have to make a decision in relation to position, game time and all those dynamics that all players in the squad are confronted with all the time.”