Gray's meteoric rise in dark blue is as clear as black and white

Published on Friday 19 March 2010 22:19

RICHIE Gray cannot quite believe he is on the brink of earning his third Scotland cap less than 20 months after turning professional.

The 20-year-old Glasgow lock is back on the bench for today's final RBS Six Nations match in Ireland following an injury to Nathan Hines and it seems certain he will take to the field at some stage.

"At the start of the year, if you had offered me two caps and a chance of getting my third, I certainly would have bitten your hand off," Gray said. "I'm more than delighted with my progression this season."

Gray, who only signed for Glasgow in August 2008, made his debut in the Six Nations opener against France and also came off the bench in the cruel defeat in Wales before losing his spot to the fit-again Hines and Jim Hamilton. Despite his minimal involvement, he already feels part of the furniture.

"I certainly do feel settled," he said. "I've had chats with the coaches and it's not about me being the youngest in the squad, it's just about me being part of the squad."

That also involves avoiding becoming starstruck by the company in which he now finds himself.

"When I first came on the professional scene with Glasgow, playing with players from the Scotland squad, I was in awe a wee bit," he said. "As I play more and more, I try to be part of the squad a bit more."

Although these are not the circumstances in which he would have wanted to be recalled, Gray is determined to make the most of his latest opportunity. "Obviously, I do feel for Nathan a bit," he said. "Injuries are part of the game and I wish him all the best in his recovery. I certainly am pleased to be back in the fold and I'll take my chance when I get it."

Today represents Gray's one and only chance to play at Croke Park, with Ireland's three-year residency at the headquarters of the Gaelic Athletic Association ending after the game.

"I've never played at Croke Park so I'm really looking forward to that," Gray said. "I'd love to get on and be part of history."

To ensure history includes a first Six Nations win of the campaign, Scotland must take the kind of try-scoring chances they have squandered in their games during the championship so far.

However, they must also cut out the sloppy penalties and ensure they make it clear to the officials what is really going on at scrum time.

"We don't want as many collapses, so that's something we've been working on," Gray said. "We've got a pretty dominant front row, so we're confident in their abilities."