HE has had to wait for his top-flight breakthrough but Michael Leask is finally ready to follow in the footsteps of his two most illustrious club-mates.
As a product of Stoneywood-Dyce's prolific youth development system, Leask has some big boots to fill in those of recently-appointed Scotland captain Kyle Coetzer and all-rounder Gordon Goudie.
However, the 22-year-old is happy to face the challenge head on and will attempt to build on a promising Saltires debut a fortnight ago during this weekend's YB40 double header against Derbyshire and Surrey.
Leask did not look out of place against Essex, taking one wicket during a tidy spell of off-spin bowling though he was denied the chance to show his batting skills by the obdurate partnership put together by Preston Mommsen and Freddie Coleman as the Saltires salvaged respectability in a 59-run defeat.
Leask said: "It was a real thrill to make my first Saltires appearance and taking that first wicket was a great feeling. But I'm not getting ahead of myself and am just delighted to be in the squad again. Hopefully I will get the chance to play a bigger part against Derbyshire and Surrey.
"I was actually padded up to bat next against Essex but the guys ahead of me did their job so scoring my first runs will have to wait."
Waiting is something Leask has done patiently in recent times as others with whom he came through the Scotland youth ranks graduated ahead of him.
"That hasn't bothered me too much – there were lots of great players ahead of me and you have to watch them, learn from them and be ready to take your chance when it comes. That's been the way for me since I was a kid and I feel privileged to have come through such a great club as Stoneywood-Dyce. I was probably about 12 when Kyle was in our first XI and I watched guys like him and Gordon and was inspired by them. I haven't achieved anything like them yet but seeing what they have done gives you something to aim for."
Leask is also quick to acknowledge the role played by Stoneywood-Dyce plaver-coach Jan Stander and club captain Stuart Coetzer, Kyle's brother.
"I'm really lucky to have been surrounded by so many quality people who have helped develop me as a cricketer and I include my mum and dad in that because they have supported me all the way through.
"It has been awesome working with Jan who is an excellent coach, while Stuart has helped me mature as a batsman this season and that will help if, and when, my chance comes for the Saltires."
Ironically, Leask's first Saltires appearance came the week after Cricket Scotland announced they would no longer award caps for county matches, but this isn't a source of frustration.
"It is always good to have goals and it just makes me more determined to work harder and take the next step," he said. "I'm used to waiting but it is certainly my ambition to get into the full international squad this season."
Leask will almost certainly start his second Saltires match today as back-up spinner to Majid Haq while fellow youngsters Coleman and Matty Cross will also continue their apprenticeships.
Squad: P Mommsen c, R Berrington, M Cross, F Coleman, E Chalmers, C MacLeod, M Leask, M Haq, C Burnett, G Goudie, G Drummond, D Nel, M Iqbal.
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