Flanker John Barclay has admitted he was hurt by his autumn Scotland snub but insists missing the Argentina clash has only strengthened his international aspirations.
The 23-year-old Glasgow openside was a key part of Andy Robinson’s troops’ famous victory over Australia but was unceremoniously axed for the subsequent clash with the Pumas.
Barclay had to make way as Robinson wanted to blood Alan McDonald in the Test arena but the 23-year-old isn’t about to let his test chances fade away.
“I thought after the win over Australia he (Andy Robinson] would keep a winning team, so when I was told I wasn’t playing it was disappointing,” said Barclay.
“By the same token, Andy is so experienced and such a great coach you respect what he says and he must have had his reasons for making the change.
“Nobody is a certainty in Andy’s squads because he is big on picking the guys who are on form, which is absolutely right.
“I know I must play well week in, week out, to have a shout. And not just in the two games between Glasgow and Edinburgh. There are a lot of others before the Six Nations.”
