Australia scrum-half Tate McDermott backed Queensland Reds team-mate Tom Lynagh to perform if he is given the starting fly-half shirt for the Wallabies against the British and Irish Lions.

The 22-year-old is reportedly set to start the first Test in Brisbane on Saturday after Joe Schmidt’s first-choice fly-half Noah Lolesio was ruled out of the series.

Lynagh, son of 1991 World Cup-winning fly-half Michael, has three caps and is yet to start for his country.

Veteran fly-half James O’Connor, who started all three Tests against the Lions in 2013, was called up by Schmidt following Lolesio’s withdrawal, with Ben Donaldson the other 10 in the squad.

“I’ve played a lot of footy with Tom and his development over the last 12 months has been fantastic,” McDermott said.

“The way he has steered around the Reds side this year is a true credit to all the work he has done and all the work he has had put into him.

“From his experiences last year in the Wallabies side and Les Kiss’ guidance [at Queensland Reds].

“There are a number of options in our pocket and it will be exciting to see.

“I’d back whoever in that nine and 10 jersey to take the Lions on.”

McDermott confirmed Lynagh is back to full fitness after not being “100%” to feature in Australia’s victory over Fiji earlier this month.

The first Test against the Lions will be at Suncorp Stadium, where both McDermott and Lynagh play their club rugby.

Having started the Wallabies’ only warm-up game before the Test series, McDermott is in with a chance of partnering Lynagh at Suncorp Stadium.

“Any opportunity to wear the gold jersey is special and even more so against the Lions in my and Tommy’s home state,” he added.

“It is not about us, there are plenty of other fellas who we are on this journey together with to experience a once in a lifetime opportunity.”