Scott Murray is determined to regain his place in the Scotland squad after gaining a surprise reprieve this week.
Injuries give veteran his chance
Scott Murray is determined to regain his place in the Scotland squad after gaining a surprise reprieve this week.
Scotland's record cap-holder Murray was ommitted from the original 35-man Six Nations squad when it was announced last week, but was invited to join training at Murrayfield on Monday after a spate of injuries in the weekend's Heineken Cup programme.
And the 87-cap lock - currently playing for Montauban - is more than happy to have his weekends in the south of France disrupted by phone calls from Scotland coach Frank Hadden, if that is what it takes to regain his place in the national side.
Call-up
He received the late call-up when it became clear that Jim Hamilton was going to have to sit out the session because of an ankle injury, Scott Macleod was only taking a limited part because he played for Llanelli Scarlets against Wasps on Sunday and Nathan Hines could not make it because of a prior personal commitment.
"I got the call on Saturday. I was sitting in the garden, sunning up, halfway through my second beer. But I had already said to Frank that if they need me then I'll put my hand up straight away," said Murray, who celebrates his 32nd birthday on Tuesday.
"I flew all the way here to try to show Frank what I can do in training. The only thing I can do is stick my head down, train really hard and keep playing well."
Murray admitted that call from Hadden had been a far more enjoyable experience than the last time they spoke, when he was informed that he had been left out of the 38-man squad.
He said: "It was better than the last time he spoke to me, when he said 'This isn't going to be a good phone call, Scott.'
"But he told me what the situation was. He's very good at that. He told me what to work on and where he sees me.
"There's not much you can do. I was obviously disappointed and frustrated, but I told Frank that I would keep playing the way I am playing and hope I get another shot.
Keen
"I said that if he needed me I would be there because I am still very keen to be involved. He said it is very close and that if there is an injury I would be back in."
Despite being in his 11th year of international rugby, Murray insists he has no plans to retire any time soon.
"I'm still massively keen and think I've still got a lot to offer," he added.
"You'll know as a player if you can't give 100%. I don't feel like that at the moment. I think I'm playing some pretty good rugby and feeling fresh. I've no major bumps and bruises.
"I don't think I've played a bad game for Montauban yet. The way they eased me in was really good, they didn't just throw me in at the deep end. I think I've settled in well and played some good rugby."
