Sean Maitland is conscious that he will have to make an immediate impression with the British and Irish Lions and is intent on laying down a marker in Saturday's tour opener against the Barbarians in Hong Kong.
Should the Scotland winger impress then he could ensure a starting slot ahead of the first Test against Australia three weeks later.
The 24-year-old is one of just three Scots in Warren Gatland's squad for 10-game tour in Australia, with Richie Gray and Stuart Hogg also among the travelling party. And the New Zealand-born Glasgow Warriors player is eager to make an impact in a Lions jersey.
"It will be good if I get the opportunity but there is a lot of competition," he said. "So, I'm sure all the boys will have a lot of opportunities to prove themselves before the first Test."
Maitland and many of the Lions squad have been together for the past fortnight but Gatland had to wait until Sunday for around a third of his squad – including the likes of Brian O'Driscoll, Manu Tuilagi, Jonny Sexton and Tom Croft – to finish their club commitments.
However, Maitland firmly believes national barriers have been broken down and a team spirit has already been fostered while the squad prepares to depart to Australia.
"All the boys are really close," said the Scot. "It doesn't matter where you are from – everybody has gelled well. It's been good, we are tight."
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