Tommy Seymour last night proclaimed himself ready for RBS 6 Nations action after emerging unscathed from his fitness test.
The winger played for Stirling County in their crucial RBS Premiership relegation-zone victory over Hawick at Bridgehaugh on Saturday, but now he has set his sights on being part of Scotland coach Scott Johnson's plans for Sunday's tournament opener against Ireland in Dublin.
Seymour, who was one of the top performers in the autumn Test series, had been sidelined for a month with a calf problem and the effects of a head knock.
"It was great to get a taste of live action with County after four weeks of not doing a lot," said Seymour. "Obviously, conditions at Bridgehaugh were very difficult - the pitch was very heavy after the rain which forced a lot of other games to be called off.
"It was nice to get 40 minutes under my belt - it was just a pity I didn't get a little longer. In games like that, wingers can't usually expect to be involved too much because forwards normally control the matches. It felt good to get the ball in my hands and be part of a great win for the team.
"I had been in the Scotland training camp throughout the previous week, and managed to get up to Stirling on Thursday night to meet the boys and run through their game plans. So it was a good few days all round for me and I have to thank County for letting me pull on their jersey."
On possible action for Scotland, Seymour insisted he is more than ready to return to the fray.
"I feel good," he said. "I will take care of my body for a day or two and then get ready for the big push for the Ireland game, if I am lucky enough to be chosen.
"It will be a massive selection task for Johnno and the coaches because most of the guys are fit. For me it is about getting rid of the remaining rust and going out to train hard in the build-up to Dublin. Come what may, I will be giving it my all - and if I don't figure next weekend, I will be extra determined to get a run later in the competition.
"Having had a stint with Ulster, getting the chance to face Ireland on their own patch would be special. Then again, every cap I earn is very special - I would play in my own back garden for Scotland and be thrilled."
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