Johnstone fit and ready to shoulder the burden

ALMOST a year after switching to Malleny Park from Watsonians, James Johnstone has finally got his career with Currie up and running and the 19-year-old is determined to replace injury agony with trophy glory.

Operations on both his shoulders have failed to prevent the centre/wing from making his mark.

And, after making his Currie debut against Stewart's-Melville in a 75-7 league romp last month, he doubled his appearance tally last weekend when Howe of Fife were dispatched by an identical scoreline in the Scottish Premier Cup.

But, despite such high-scoring outings, Scotland age group cap Johnstone is refusing to get carried away by the prospect of securing a place in the showpiece Murrayfield knockout final when table-topping Currie visit Melrose for an eagerly awaited semi-final tomorrow.

"There is absolutely no talk in our changing room about doing the double. I played at Melrose last season (with Watsonians) and know how difficult it can be there."

Johnstone modestly omitted to mention he scored a try on that occasion, which no doubt helped secure his place in the national rugby academy leading on to three starts for Scotland in the recent under-20 Six Nations following on from age-group caps at under-17 and under-19 level.

"After injury it was a leap into the deep end away to Wales at Cardiff Arms Park this season," said Johnstone, who subsequently faced England and Ireland.

He is strongly fancied to be selected for this summer's age-group world championships in Argentina.

"I've had a huge amount of help from the national academy and medics with their rehab and support during a difficult period, injury-wise, and now it is about repaying them with a few wins."

A native of Dumfries, he had his rugby skills honed at Merchiston Castle – injury cost him a place in their Schools Cup win of 2008 – and then spent a year with 'Sonians.

"When Currie became interested, I felt I could help develop my play through getting the ball in my hands more often.

"Besides, what player doesn't want to be chasing cups or titles? That is the potential of this Currie side," added Johnstone.

That win at Third Division Howe showed Currie's ruthless streak and Johnstone admitted it was a clinical display.

"At Currie, there's a willingness to work opponents out then try to lay a platform up front. We took our time, did that and got the reward."

If Currie are to further their twin dream tomorrow with a squad that has Graham White back on the bench after shoulder damage in the only change, then much could hinge on Johnstone's partnership at centre with club internationalist Andy MacMahon.

Strongly built at 5ft 10in and around 15 stone, the Currie website talks of Johnstone "clattering" opponents on his long awaited debut to free up possession.

Also back from Scotland Under-20 duty are Alun Walker, Douglas Fife and Matthew Scott, lending youthful exuberance and understanding to the line-up.

Of those left behind while they were helping the national cause, Kiwi second row Ryan Wilson has scored four tries in three outings while winger Willie Moala has posted tries in five of Currie's last six matches.