Weir determined to take chance (From Surrey Comet)

Weir determined to take chance

1:27pm Saturday 11th February 2012 in National Sport News © Press Association 2011

Gallus is a fine Glaswegian word to describe Duncan Weir, who hopes to make his Scotland debut in Sunday's RBS 6 Nations clash with Wales in Cardiff.

The 20-year-old Glasgow Warriors fly-half certainly has plenty of self-confidence after being named among the replacements as Scotland prepare to usher in a new era of playmakers following the retirement of Dan Parks.

Weir said: "When the World Cup was on there was an opportunity there to really stamp my place down at Glasgow. At the start of the season I thought I could nail down the Glasgow 10 shirt, get more experience and enjoy my time on the pitch. I've felt I've done that and my chance has come to wiggle my way into the Scotland squad and on to the bench as well."

Edinburgh scrum-half turned fly-half Greig Laidlaw is set to start at number 10, with Weir his understudy after taking his opportunity to impress at Firhill while more senior colleague Ruaridh Jackson was at the Rugby World Cup.

Jackson this week returned for the Warriors following a niggling hamstring injury, but Weir is determined to seize his chance if handed his first cap, but admitted he will be far from overawed by the occasion.

If he replaces Laidlaw, he is likely to assume the goal-kicking duties, something which holds no fear despite the likely boos from the Wales crowd.

He said: "I'm comfortable doing that. I cherish those kind of situations and look forward to them."

Weir's elevation to the Test team comes after a 20-point haul in Scotland A's 35-0 win over England Saxons, which included a fine solo try. Weir would back himself in similar circumstances against Wales' star-studded side.

"If the same chance comes about I'll hopefully get my legs going, get through the space and bundle over," he added. "The Welsh are one of the most dangerous teams if they're within your 10-metre line and your try-line. They create great attacking platforms for themselves.

"Hopefully if I get the chance to come on I can pin them back in the corners and make them run from 80 metres instead of 40, 30 metres and hopefully get the Scotland attack going as well."