July 25, 2008

Time for the Dog to have his day

Posted by Editor on July 25, 2008 12:23 AM | No comments | Print | E-mail author

Graeme Morrison hopes to be back in action for the start of the new season
Glasgow's Graeme Morrison wants to start the new season where he left off in Scotland's tour to Argentina.

Graeme played a try-scoring part in the Test victory over the Pumas in Buenos Aires in June. However, his preparations for the new campaign have been interrupted - he felt a pain in his knee in early pre-season training and scans revealed a torn cartilage. Graeme underwent an operation on Friday and hopes to be back in action for the start of the new season.

He told The Scotsman: "I'm hopeful that I'll be back in full training in three to four weeks and fit for the pre-season friendly matches. It's quite a minor thing apparently; the physios are positive I can shake it off quite quickly, so I'm not worried. I'm looking forward to starting the season from where I left off in Argentina."

With the departure of Daryl Gibson to Canterbury Crusaders, Graeme feels it may be another sign that he has to step on to a new level of maturity and leadership.

"Obviously there was a bit of competition there with Daryl, Andy Henderson and me, so you'd maybe think it would be better for us he's going, but to be honest I think he was planning to be more backs coach than a player this season anyway.

"That's where we'll miss him most. He had some new ideas and brought a freshness to the backs. That's not to say Sean (Lineen, head coach] doesn't do that as well, but he's got a big remit as head coach. I don't know yet whether he will step in and do that job again, and I'd have no problems if he did, but you are bound to miss someone of Daryl's experience.

"But it's up to us to learn from him. I am by no means going to try and fill his shoes, but I've been told it's time to grow up – by a few people! – and it's right. I am one of the longest-serving players at Glasgow now and I've gained a lot of experience which I've got to share and use to our benefit."

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