JOHN Blain's career will come almost full circle when he lines up for Grange in this season's Eastern Premiership.

Having first emerged as a precociously-talented fast bowler at Penicuik and quickly moving to Heriot's, Blain spent more than a decade plying his trade on the county circuit with Northants and Yorkshire.

He returned north three seasons ago to serve West of Scotland as player-coach and has now headed back along the M8, a little closer to his roots and perhaps even a little closer to a remarkable Scotland recall.

The manner of Blain's departure from international cricket when, after 118 caps and countless performances of distinction, he walked out on the squad on the eve of the 2009 T20 World Cup following a disagreement with captain Gavin Hamilton, has been well chronicled.

However, the player remains committed to his country and even at the age of 36 has not given up hope of once again pulling on the Saltires shirt.

He expressed that desire in a recent tweet and confirmed his feelings when he said: "I'd still like to represent my country and, if asked, would be happy to help - either in a playing or coaching capacity."

Blain declined to comment on the likelihood of such an eventuality but, given the change of regime - at boardroom, coaching and playing levels - since that regrettable depart- ure, a return may not be beyond the realms of possibility.

Certainly, if he performs with the same distinction for Grange as he did for West, where he was the leading wicket-taker in the country for three seasons, the selectors may find him hard to ignore, especially since access to Scotland's county-based players is likely to be sporadic during a busy summer.

Blain, though, is not raising any false hopes and for now is content to focus on his new role as Grange's player-coach at a time of transition for the Edinburgh club.

Having helped develop players of the calibre of Jonny Bairstow, Gary Ballance and Joe Root while coaching at the Yorkshire Academy, it is little wonder that Grange, with a batch of emerging youngsters of their own, jumped at the chance of engaging Blain when he moved east to become Loretto School's Director of Cricket.

"The first question I asked them when I went to the interview was about their objectives for the next few years and when they told me they had a clutch of youngsters they wanted to see pushed into the first team I was pretty much sold on the club," said Blain.

"I've already been working with them for the last few months and I'm really impressed with the talent and the work ethic of the young guys."

Blain reels off the names of Fin McCreath, Simon Whait, Matt Angelini, James Dickinson, Chris Sole and Cameron Sloeman, all members of Cricket Scotland's Pathways system and all players their new mentor has resolved to give top-team experience.

"I'm really excited about the prospects because when we mix these kids with established players like George Munsey, Neil McCallum, Andrew Brock, Gordon Goudie, Raj Routray and myself, we should have a pretty potent blend.

"I'd rate success in the first season as building a younger side but that doesn't mean we're ruling ourselves out for the title. It will be difficult but we have to go for it."

Blain sees the main challenge coming from Aberdeenshire and Arbroath, the champions in each of the last two seasons, and a Carlton side who are likely to have more access to their Scotland contingent than last season.

The leagues in the east are stealing a march on their western counterparts by getting underway a week earlier but Blain will keep an interested eye on events on the other side of the country when the Western District Union bowls into action.

There will be an expanded top flight of 10 teams with the Paisley duo of Ferguslie and Kelburne joining last year's line-up and attempting to topple champions Ayr.

Despite their odds-defying success, the Camubusdoon side are likely to be rated below Clydesdale in any list of favourites and that may suit the Alloway side quite well.

"It is difficult to see beyond Clydesdale with the players they have at their disposal," said Blain.

"I'd obviously like to see West of Scotland doing well because I thoroughly enjoyed my three years there and have a soft spot for them but they maybe lack a bit of strength in depth while the Paisley teams will win their share of games but might struggle to sustain a challenge."